Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights to underpin the provision of safe and quality care

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, today launched the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights which explains what people can expect from their health system.

The Minister launched the Charter on International Human Rights Day.

“The Charter describes the rights of consumers and carers using the health system and will be implemented across all ACT Health services. It is important that we support these rights to ensure wherever and whenever care is provided, that it is of high quality and safe,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Health care consumers have the right to expect the best quality of care from their health system, including the right to:

1. have access to the care they need;
2. receive care that is safe and of high quality;
3. be treated with respect;
4. receive open communication and be fully informed about treatment options;
5. participate and make their own decisions about their care;
6. have their privacy respected; and
7. comment on their care.

“This Charter is about communication, participation and partnerships. It will help health care consumers, carers, providers and health care organisations work together because it recognises that the people receiving care and the people providing care all have important roles to play in the delivery of safe and quality health care,” Ms Gallagher said.

“ACT Health has an ongoing commitment to supporting consumer participation in health care and by implementing the Charter across all ACT Health Services, we are not only supporting the rights of health care consumers but we are also recognising the vital role that consumers play in the provision of their own care,” Ms Gallagher said.

10 December 2009