Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights
The Australian Charter of Health Right describes the rights of patients and other people using the Australian health system. These rights are essential to make sure that, wherever and whenever care is provided, it is of high quality and is safe.
The Charter recognises that people receiving care and people providing care all have important parts to play in achieving healthcare rights. The charter allows patients, consumers, families, carers and service providing health care to share and understanding of the rights of people receiving health care. This helps everyone to work together towards a safe and high quality health system. A genuine partnership between patients, consumers and providers is important so that everyone achieves the best possible outcomes.
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 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.
What can I expect from the Australian health system?
1. ACCESS – I have the right to health care and I can access service to address my healthcare needs.
2. SAFETY – I have the right to receive safe and high quality health services, provided with professional care, skill and competence.
3. RESPECT – I have the right to be shown respect, dignity and consideration and the care provided shows respect to me and my culture, beliefs, values and personal characteristics.
4. COMMUNICATION – I have the right to be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a clear and open way that I can understand.
5. PARTICIPATION – I have the right to be included in decision and choices about my care and health service planning.
6. PRIVACY – I have the right to privacy and confidentiality of my personal health and other information and that I can be assured my privacy is maintained and properly handled.
7. COMMENT – I have the right to comment or complain on my care and have my concerns addressed and dealt with properly and promptly.
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