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Australian Health System
Guide

What are my rights as a patient in the Australian Health System?

Reviewed and updated 21 October 2024

When you are being treated in the Australian Health System, you have rights.

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed an Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights that outlines your rights as a patient.

The Charter applies to everyone, wherever they receive healthcare in Australia, including:

The Charter says you have the right to:

AccessAccess health services and treatment that meet your needs
SafetyReceive safe and high-quality healthcare that meets national standards

Be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes you feel safe
RespectBe treated as an individual and with dignity and respect

Have your culture, identify, beliefs and choices recognised and respected
PartnershipAsk questions and be involved in open and honest communication

Make decisions with your healthcare provider, to the extent that you can choose 

Include people you want in planning and decision-making
InformationGet clear information about your condition, including possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so you can give informed consent

Receive information about services, waiting times and costs

Get help when you need it, to understand and use health information

Access your health information

Be told if something has gone wrong during your healthcare, how it happened, how it may affect you and what is being done to make your care safe.
PrivacyHave your personal privacy respected

Have information about you and your health kept secure and confidential
Give FeedbackProvide feedback or make a complaint without affecting the way you are treated

Have your concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way

Share your experiences and participate to improve the quality of care and health services.

We promise

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