Monday, July 20, 2009

Patient Rights

As a patient of the Bowral Mental Health Service you have the right to:Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration and receive services free from discrimination regardless of your age, gender, sexual preference, religion or culture.Free hospital services as a public patient, if you have a current medicare card. Mostly, community health services are free while some require co-payment and eligibility criteria.Request a health care interpreter.Be informed of any costs of services.Treatment based on clinical need regardless of your ability to pay or your health insurance status.Have a clear explanation of your condition with information that is easy to understand, including risks and other choices.Have your personal information kept private and confidential.Obtain a second opinion about your condition.Give a compliment or make a complaint.See your health record to the extent permitted within NSW Health guidelines.Decide if you want to take part in medical research and training.Take part in decisions about your health care.Apply for a travel allowance if you need to travel more than 100 km to receive treatment.Receive instructions to care for yourself after discharge.Leave a health facility at any time at your own risk and liability.Refuse care from a particular health care practitioner or facility (however, a Hospital or Health Service may not be able to provide an appropriate alternative).In most instances, medical treatment cannot be given to you unless you give your consent. However, medical treatment may be given without consent:In an emergency.When you are unconscious.When you require treatment under the Mental Health Act (2007) or the Infectious Diseases (Public Health Act 1991).Where there is a guardian appointed to make decisions on your behalf under the Guardian Act 1987.Parents or guardians must consent to the treatment for children under the age of 14 years. After this age, children may seek treatment and give consent on their own behalf. Where possible, children are encouraged to talk over their treatment needs with their parents. Children aged 16 years and over by Law do not require parental consent for treatment.

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