Australian Charter of Healthcare RightsAustralian Charter of Healthcare RightsAustralian Charter of Healthcare Rights

Patients & visitors

Coming to hospital

Your rights & responsibilities

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of patients.

Your healthcare, safety and rights

Your safety and healthcare goals are our highest priority. By sharing your needs and what’s most important to you, together we can make the best healthcare decisions.

Watch our short and engaging animation film that demonstrates what patients and their loved ones can do to make their stay at Austin Health safe and comfortable:

What we expect from you

We’re committed to providing safe and high quality care. To help us, it’s important you tell us about:

  • Your medical history including medications
  • Your symptoms
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Any religious or cultural requirements
  • Anything else that might assist with your care.

Treat everyone you meet with respect and courtesy. Please respect other people’s rights and property and the property of the hospital.

We are a teaching hospital. This means that students may deliver some of your care. We will always tell you if a student will be involved in your care. If you would prefer not to have a student involved, please let us know. 

We are smoke free. Do not smoke anywhere within the hospital grounds. Speak to your doctor about strategies to help you quit smoking while you are in hospital.

We prohibit alcohol or drug use (unless under medical supervision).

We do not accept responsibility for lost items. Keep only small amounts of money with you. Leave valuable items including jewellery at home.

We do not tolerate aggressive or threatening behaviour towards staff or patients. If you behave in an aggressive or threatening way we may ask you to leave and report you to the police.

If there is a reason you would like to leave the hospital grounds, notify staff.

What you can expect from Austin Health

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights that consumers or patients, or someone they care for, can expect when receiving health care.

These rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia. This includes public and private hospitals, day procedure services, general practice and other community health services.

Your rights

What this means

Access

You can access healthcare services to meet your needs.

Safety

You receive safe and high-quality health services in an environment that make you feel safe.

Respect

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

Partnership 

You have open and honest communication about your care. You make decisions with your healthcare team to the extent which you choose.  

Information  

You receive open, timely and appropriate communication about your healthcare in a way that you can understand. This includes information around treatment options, risks, benefits, outcomes and costs to make an informed decision for you. If a mistake is made, we will tell you and give opportunity for feedback.  

Privacy  

Your personal privacy is maintained and proper handling of your personal health and other information is assured.

Give feedback  

You can comment on or complain about your care and have your concerns dealt with properly and promptly, this will not affect the care you are provided.  

 

Related content

More information

More information and resources about the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights is available on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website.

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