Guiding principles
These three principles describe how this Charter applies in the Australian health system.
- Everyone has the right to be able to access health care and this right is essential for the Charter to be meaningful.
- The Australian Government commits to international agreements about human rights which recognise everyone’s right to have the highest possible standard of physical and mental health.
- Australia is a society made up of people with different cultures and ways of life, and the Charter acknowledges and respects these differences.
Patient rights
For most people, being a patient is unfamiliar and therefore it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
Below are the Australian Charter of Health Care Rights that provide information in relation to the patient’s rights and responsibilities.
Australian Charter of Health Care Rights
Everyone who is seeking or receiving care in the Australian health system has certain rights regarding the nature of that care. These are described in the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. The rights included in the Charter relate to access, safety, respect, communication, participation, privacy and comment.
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights is available to everyone in the healthcare system. It allows patients, consumers, families, carers and providers to share an understanding of the rights of people receiving health care.
Patients, consumers, healthcare providers and health service organisations all have an important part to play in achieving healthcare rights and contributing to a safe and high quality healthcare system.
A genuine partnership between patients, consumers and healthcare providers is important so that everyone achieves the best possible outcomes.
Healthcare providers are aware that in some circumstances, your ability to interact with the healthcare system may be restricted. Where possible they will alert family or support services about your circumstances if they consider that you need assistance.
Further information can be obtained by visiting www.safetyandquality.gov.au
To read the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights in other languages, please visit:
www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/partnering-consumers/australian-charter-healthcare-rights/australian-charter-healthcare-rights-second-edition/resources-australian-charter-healthcare-rights
Patient responsibilities
St Luke’s Care Private Hospital is committed to delivering the highest level of care to all our patients. We are also committed to ensuring our staff have a safe and respectful environment to work in.
Please be aware that the following behaviour will not be tolerated:
- Threatening or aggressive behaviour, offensive language, discriminatory remarks about race, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Please let the in-charge staff member know if any aspect of your Hospital stay falls below you expectations. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Hayward, the Director, Hospital and Clinic directly on (02) 9356 0301 or email ehayward@slc.org.au .