AUSTRALIAN CHARTER OF HEALTHCARE RIGHTS

This is the second edition of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. These rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia. The Charter describes what you, or someone you care for, can expect when receiving health care.

Access

Healthcare services and treatment that meets my needs

Safety

Receive safe and high quality health care that meets national standards Be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes me feel safe

Respect

Be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect
Have my culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected

Partnership

Ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication
Make decisions with my healthcare provider, to the extent that I choose and am able to include the people that I want in planning and decision-making

Information

Clear information about my condition, the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so I can give my informed consent
Receive information about services, waiting times and costs
Be given assistance, when I need it, to help me to understand and use health information

Access my health information

Be told if something has gone wrong during my health care, how it happened, how it may affect me and what is being done to make care safe

Privacy

Have my personal privacy respected
Have information about me and my health kept secure and confidential

Give feedback

Provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way that I am treated
Have my concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way
Share my experience and participate to improve the quality of care and health services