Patient Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient, you can expect:

to be treated with courtesy and respect for your privacy and dignity.
to choose to have a relative or friend with you during consultations and examinations.
staff to understand that you might be feeling anxious and vulnerable and that this may affect the way you behave.
to be informed on arrival at an appointment if delays are occurring and to receive an explanation why.
to take part in all decisions about your treatment and have the pros and cons of treatment, including any risks, side effects and alternative methods of treatment, fully explained.
to receive an explanation and, where appropriate, an apology if things go wrong, and to complain if you are unhappy with the treatment you receive.
to receive treatment on the basis of your clinical need.

to treat the staff who care for you with courtesy and respect at all times, and to extend this courtesy and respect to your fellow patients.
to give reasonable notice if you are unable to attend an appointment.
to inform the surgery at once of any change in contact address or telephone number.
to understand that there are pressures and limitations on health service resources and on those working within the service.
to let staff know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to medication or have any change in your health that could affect the treatment you receive.
to take any medicines as instructed and seek medical advice before stopping or changing treatment.
to consider the consequences of refusing treatment or not following medical advice and accept responsibility for your own actions.