The Geraldton District Hospital views health care as a partnership between patients and their caregivers.  Mutual respect and co-operation are essential to the delivery of quality health care.  The Hospital respects your rights, values and dignity.  The Hospital also asks that you recognize the responsibilities of being a patient for your own well-being as well as that of your fellow patients and health care team.  Please read and exercise these rights and responsibilities as outlined here.

• Receive quality care, appropriate services and treatments within the hospital’s capacity, which are considerate, compassionate, confidential and respectful of your diverse views, cultural background and human rights

• Receive information about your medical condition and treatment, alternatives and outcomes in terms you can understand

• Make choices about treatments and be informed of the health benefits and risks of those decisions

• Refuse any recommended treatment(s) to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the potential medical consequences of refusal

• Be treated in a safe environment free of all forms of abuse and harassment

• Freedom from restraints that are not medically required or are used inappropriately

• Privacy and confidential treatments, communications and medical records to the extent permitted by law and existing government regulations

• Receive information related to continuity of health care at the end of your stay

• Know the name and profession of the members of your health care team

• Participate in the consideration of ethical issues that may arise in your care

• Create advance directives (living will, health care Power of Attorney) which the health care team will respect and comply with to the extent permitted by law

• Appoint a substitute decision-maker to make health care decisions on your behalf

• Spiritual care and religious support consistent with personal beliefs

• Request a second opinion

• Request interpretation services, if required

• Request that a physician, family member, friend or other specified individual be notified that you are a patient in the hospital

• Have us help you with any special needs

• Be listened to, make complaints, raise concerns or recommend changes without fear of reprisal, discrimination, coercion or interference

• Have your questions and concerns responded to within a reasonable timeframe

• Access information contained in your medical records within a reasonable timeframe

• Know the policies that affect your care and treatment

• Receive information concerning any financial obligations to the hospital