Your Rights

Privacy

Your privacy is important to us.

To learn more about privacy for patients you can access a copy of the SLHD Privacy for Patients How we protect your health information brochure or you can view the SHLD Privacy Statement.

Carer Recognition in Australia and NSW

Carers make an enormous contribution to our society. This contribution is both social; the care they provide for the people they look after, and economic; the consequent dollar savings they contribute to the nation in providing this care with little or no payment. Commonwealth and State governments have passed Carer Recognition Acts that acknowledge this contribution.

These Acts also place obligations on governments and some other organisations to assist Carers. The NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 requires all public servants including NSW Health Staff to:

• Be aware of and understand the NSW Carers Charter.
  You can view a copy here.

• Consult with Carers, or organisations that represent Carers, on significant policy issues that may affect them and;
  
  
• Consider and address the needs of health staff who are Carers in the development of human resource policy

National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards

Additionally, Human Service Agencies, of which SLHD is one, must;

• Ensure their staff reflect the Charter principles in their actions
• Report on their compliance with the Act annually

All SLHD facilities must also maintain accreditation in regard to National Health Quality and Safety standards. These standards include Carers as consumers and are referred to in most if not all 15 standards. Standard two particularly focuses on the need to consult with Carers.

If you feel you are not being respected or listened to by staff, you have a right to raise this with the staff member or to speak with their manager. If your concerns remain unresolved you can ask to speak to the Patient Representative or make a complaint to the Health Care Complaints Tribunal.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes what you and the person you care for can expect when receiving health care in hospital, outpatient clinics, general practice, and community health services.

You and the person you care for have the right to access health services when and how you need them. You have the right to safe and high-quality care that is delivered respectfully and in partnership with you. You should receive information about your health, the service you are receiving and any risks or benefits in receiving care. Your personal information should be kept confidential, and you should have the opportunity to provide feedback.

You can access an accessible version of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, or download a version in your language.

For more information, you can contact Health Consumers NSW on 02 9986 1082 or visit www.hcnsw.org.au.