Rights & Responsibilities 

On admission you will be asked to sign that you have received and understood your rights & responsibilities as a patient of Hawkesbury District Health Service.

Your rights

 You have a right to:

• Receive services that are based on need and are free from discrimination
• Be treated with care, consideration and respect for your dignity, beliefs and right to privacy
• Information that provides you with a clear understanding of your illness, the options for treatment and the likely consequences
• When medically possible, make decisions about your plan of care before and during treatment.
• Refuse any investigations, treatment or surgery. (Please note, if you refuse medical advice the responsibility of your actions/decisions rest entirely with you)
• Nominate the person(s) and/or next of kin to be notified in the case of an emergency
• The services of an interpreter provided free by the hospital
• Be informed of any costs of services
• Confidentiality of personal and medical information held about you, unless the law allows the information to be given to some other person or authority, or you authorise release in writing
• Access your medical record at a time that is convenient to do so, as we will provide a medical officer to be present to provide you with information and explanations as to the clinical content of the medical record

Your Responsibilities

You have a responsibility to:

• Provide complete and accurate information about your health, including present condition, past illnesses, hospitalisations, medications, natural products and vitamins, and any other matters that pertain to your health
• Cooperate in the process of the provision of care and report any changes in your condition to the nursing staff or your doctor
• Comply with prescribed treatment, or inform your health professional of your intention not do so
• Ask questions when you do not understand what your doctor or other member of your healthcare team tells you about your diagnosis or treatment. You should inform your doctor if you anticipate problems in following prescribed treatment. Inform your doctor also if you are considering alternative therapies
• Ensure that appointments are kept or that those concerned are informed if you are unable to attend
• If you need to leave the ward at any time, inform the nurse in charge of your care who is directly responsible for your safety, the administration of your medications and preparing you for appointments while you are in hospital
• Leave valuables at home and bring only those items necessary during your hospital stay
• Contribute to a safe environment by conducting yourself in a way that does not interfere with the well-being or rights of other patients or staff
• Show consideration for other patients and staff by adhering to the hospital visiting hours – and advising your family and friends likewise – and by observing the ‘No Smoking’ requirement