What are my rights as a patient?
Patients undergoing treatment have a right to expect a high level of care. There are also certain things patients can do to ensure they receive high quality care. The Royal College of Surgeons Patient Liaison Group believes it is important for patients to understand both their rights and their responsibilities in this process. The Patient Liaison Group has produced a paper which details the rights and responsibilities of patients. See ‘Patient Rights and Responsibilities’ and ‘Child Patient Rights and Responsibilities’.
Access to care regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or the source of payment for care Respect and dignity Privacy and confidentiality during interviews, examinations, communications and consultations Easy access to medical records and health information Continuity of care Know the identity of all those involved with his/her care and treatment Consent to care and treatment Transfer care Personal safety
We believe patients have the right to: • Access to care regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or the source of payment for care • Timely Care • Respect and dignity • Privacy and confidentiality during interviews, examinations, and communications • Continuity of care • Know the identity of all those involved with his/her care and treatment • Consent to care and treatment • Transfer care • Personal safety
