Healthcare Rights as a user of our healthcare services
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights applies to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia.
You have a right to:
Access
- Healthcare services and treatment that meets your needs
Safety
- receive safe and high quality health care that meets national standards
- be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes you feel safe
Respect
- be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect
- have your culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected Partnership
- ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication
- make decisions with your healthcare provider, to the extent that you choose
- include the people that you want in planning and decision-making
Information
- clear information about your condition, the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so you can give your informed consent
- receive information about services, waiting times and costs
- be given assistance, when you need it, to help you to understand and use health information
- access your health information
- be told if something has gone wrong during your health care, how it happened, how it may affect you and what is being done to ensure safe care
Privacy
- have your personal privacy respected
- have information about you and your health kept secure and confidential
- under certain circumstances information may be shared without your consent e.g. during a medical emergency; as evidence in court; or as allowed by legislation
- other services might be involved in providing the care you need, if this is the case, we will ask your permission to share relevant information. You have the right to refuse
- you have the right to access your medical records through the Freedom of Information process
Give feedback
- provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way you are treated
- have your concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way
- share your experience and participate to improve the quality of care and health services
For further information please visit the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights website.
Our healthcare teams are committed to providing safe, respectful and high-quality care in line with national standards.
Your Rights as a user of our Aged Care Services
As a client of SGH Aged Care Services, the Statement of Rights (Aged Care Act 2024), outlines the rights that older people will have when accessing aged care services. The rights will help to ensure that older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
The Statement of Rights include the right for every individual to have:
- independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
- equitable access
- quality and safe funded aged care services
- respect for privacy and information
- person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal
- advocates, significant persons and social connections.
Further information:
Your Rights as a Carer
If you are a carer of a person receiving services, you have the right to be recognised, respected and supported as an individual with your own needs and special knowledge of the person in your care.
Your views will be considered and taken into account in the assessment, planning, delivery, management and review of services affecting you and the person in your care.
