Patient Charter

The Public Hospital Patient Charter outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients while attending a public hospital in Victoria. It aims to support a partnership between patients and their health care providers by providing a clear statement of expectations that is understood by both patients and providers.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• A wide range of public hospital services.
• Treatment based on clinical need regardless of your ability to pay or your health insurance status.
• Choose whether you wish to have treatment as a public or a private patient. Treatment and care in a safe environment.
• Participate in making decisions about your treatment and care.
• Participate in decisions and receive information about your discharge from hospital. Information about which hospital staff will provide your care.
• Information about your health care and, if you wish, a second medical opinion. Access to your health records and confidentiality for your personal information.
• Treatment with respect, dignity and consideration for privacy.
• If necessary, to have access to an accredited interpreter.
• Services provided in a culturally sensitive way.
• Information on steps the hospital takes to improve the quality of care.
• An opportunity to discuss any questions or complaints you may have concerning your stay in hospital.
• Make a complaint to an independent complaints organisation.

Your Responsibilities

You have the responsibility to:

• Work with your treating team by providing relevant information about your health and circumstances that may influence your treatment, recovery or stay in hospital.

Activities undertaken to promote the Patient Charter

Box Hill Hospital

Maroondah Hospital
 

More information about the Patient Charter, including translations into other languages, is available on the Victorian Government Health Information Web site:   http://www.health.vic.gov.au/patientcharter/

Suggestions, compliments and complaints procedure for Eastern Health