[:en]

AUSTRALIAN CHARTER OF HEALTHCARE RIGHTS:

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of patients and other people using the Australian health System. These rights are essential to ensure there wherever and whenever care is provided, it is of high quality and is safe.

The Charter recognises that people receiving care and people providing care all have important parts to play in achieving healthcare rights.

The Charter allows patients, consumers, families, carers and services providing health care to share an understanding of the rights of people receiving health care.
A genuine partnership between patients, consumers and providers is important so that everyone achieves the best possible outcomes.

Guiding Principles

These three principles describe how this Charter applies in the Australian health system.

  1. Everyone has the right to be able to access health care and this right is essential for the Charter to be meaningful.
  2. The Australian Government commits to international agreements about human rights which recognise everyone’s right to have the highest possible standard of physical and mental health.
  3. Australia is a society made up of people with different cultures and ways of life, and the Charter acknowledges and respects these

What can you expect from the Australian health system?

 

YOUR RIGHTS

WHAT THIS MEANS
Access:

You have a right to health care

 You can access services to address your healthcare needs
Safety:

You have a right to receive safe and high quality care

 You will receive safe and high quality health services, provided with professional care, skill and competence
Respect:

You have a right to be shown respect, dignity and consideration

 The care provided shows respect to you, your culture, beliefs, values and personal characteristics
Communication:

You have the right to be informed about services, treatment options and costs in a clear and open way

 You receive open, timely and appropriate communication about my care in a way you can understand
Participation:

You have a right to be included in decisions and choices about your care

 You may join in making decisions and choices about your healthcare and health service planning
Privacy:

You have a right to privacy and confidentiality of your personal information

 Your personal privacy is maintained and appropriate handling of your personal health and other information is assured
Comment:

You have the right to comment on your care and have your concerns addressed

 You can comment on or complain about your care and have your concerns dealt with properly and promptly

To assist us to provide you with the highest possible level of care, you have the responsibility to:

  • Obtain advice from your health fund, doctors and hospital in respect of likely costs
  • Disclose all relevant health information to your doctors and the hospital staff to assist with your care and treatment
  • Participate in decisions regarding your care, treatment and discharge planning

For further information on your rights and responsibilities please visit:

Consumers Health Services Directory WA.- http://www.health.wa.gov.au/services/

Health and Disability Services, Complaints Office – http://www.hadso.wa.gov.au

For further information on how to make a complaint or comment on your care please click here.

[:]