All patients have certain rights when receiving a health or disability service. You have the right to:
- always be treated with respect
- not be discriminated against, pressured or taken advantage of
- services that promote dignified and independent lives
- be treated with care and skill and receive correctly administered treatment
- medical staff who listen to you and communicate clearly
- an interpreter if required
- a clear explanation of your medical condition and the types of treatment available
- an honest description of the risks and costs as well as the benefits of a proposed treatment
- ask questions and receive competent answers
- make your own decisions
- change your mind if you have already said "yes" or "no" to a course of treatment
- refuse to participate in teaching or research
- have a support person present at most times
- register a complaint.
These rights also apply to patients taking part in teaching or research.
