Rights and Responsibilities
The Southern Health Rights & Responsibilities Brochure is available in the following versions:-
We welcome you to Southern Health.
Southern Health provides a wide
range of hospital, rehabilitation and community-based services.
Our health care services are provided in partnership with staff and consumers
working together to achieve optimal care. Your health care team includes
doctors, nurses and allied health staff.
As a consumer of health care services, you need to know what to expect from
Southern Health, its services and staff. It is also important for you to
understand what your responsibilities are when receiving these services.
The Rights and Responsibilities brochure outlines your rights and responsibilities as a consumer of health
care services at Southern Health.
For more details about the services provided by the facility you are attending,
please ask a member of your health care team.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO:
A high standard of health care
- participate in decisions regarding your health care.
- choose whether you wish to have treatment as a public or private patient.
- access to a wide range of services.
- make a complaint or provide a compliment.
Services which respect your culture and communication needs
- access to professional medical interpreters.
- services provided in a culturally sensitive way.
Receive only care or treatment for which you have provided consent
- refuse to receive all or specific care or treatment. Some patients covered under the Mental Health Act cannot refuse treatment.
- decide if students participate in your health care as part of their training.
- decide whether to participate in a research project.
Clear information about your condition and its management
- receive prompt, meaningful responses to questions or concerns you raise about your health care.
- be informed about treatment risks, benefits and alternatives.
- Know the contents of and access your Southern Health records under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Dignity and respect in your care
- consideration of your individual needs.
- receive services in a manner which is neither discriminatory nor judgemental.
- be introduced to all staff who assist with your care.
Privacy and confidentiality
- respect for your privacy and have your health information treated as confidential.
- secure storage and maintenance of your health care records.
- compliance by Southern Health with the requirements of privacy legislation.
A safe environment
- services in an environment that is accessible, clean, safe and secure.
A second opinion
- to request and receive a second opinion about your health care.
The support of a person of your choice in discussions about your care
- a support person to attend meetings and discussions with staff.
- appoint, in advance, someone to make health care decisions for you if and when you become unable to do so.
Be informed of any cost payable for health care services
YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO:
Cooperate with your treating team
- keep appointments arranged for you.
- understand the consequences of any decision you make to refuse care or treatment.
Provide, to the best of your ability, information to assist with your treatment
- provide accurate information about your own and any relevant family medical history; including all medications, drugs, remedies or substances that you are taking.
Tell us when you have questions or concerns about your care
- ask questions so we can assist you to understand your medical condition, treatment and care and participate in making decisions.
Support us in providing an environment that is safe, clean and pleasant
- follow rules regarding no smoking areas and the prohibition of alcohol and illicit drugs on Southern Health premises.
- keep noise to a minimum for the benefit of those around you.
- allow staff to use equipment to assist them to lift or move you.
- leave valuables at home. Southern Health will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to property brought into the facility.
Show respect for the people taking care of you and other users of our services
- respect the privacy, needs and dignity of others by being courteous and considerate.
- respect our visiting hours and comply with visitors' guidelines.
Pay accounts in an appropriate time and provide access to your Medicare card when required:
- bring details with you if you are covered by private health insurance.