Your rights as a patient
The Patient's Charter published by the Scottish Executive sets out the full rights a patient has in the National Health Service (NHS).
For further information on patient rights.
Below is a brief summary that gives more information on the standards of service an NHS patient can expect, in relation to services offered by STEPS.
Healthcare
- You have a right to receive health care on the basis of clinical need, regardless of your ability to pay.
- You have a right to the same treatment as everyone else regardless of your race, gender, age or disability.
- You are entitled to receive emergency medical care at any time, through your general medical practitioner (GP), the emergency ambulance service and hospital accident and emergency department.
Choice
- You have a right to accept or refuse treatment, including examinations, tests and diagnostic procedures.
- You have a right to choose not to take part in medical research. Your health professional should tell you in advance of your right to choose not to have a medical student examine or treat you.
Information
- Before your treatment begins, your health professional should give you (if you wish):
- a clear explanation of what is wrong;
- information on the treatment proposed;
- its implications and its risks; and
- any alternatives.
- You have a right to see and get a copy of your own health records, although there are some exemptions. A health record is any record, on computer or paper, which contains information about your physical or mental health. There may be a charge for this service.
- You also have a right to see and get a copy of a medical report prepared by your doctor for an insurer or employer before it is sent and for six months afterwards. NHS staff will keep the information in your health records confidential. They will only share information about you with those involved in your care, and only with your permission. There may be some exceptions to this.
Waiting Times
- You are entitled to know how long you will have to wait for an outpatient appointment. The Greater Glasgow NHS Board has set a target of 15 weeks for first outpatient appointments for a number of clinics, with some exceptions. The Health Council can give more information on this.
- You are entitled to know how long you will have to wait to be seen at an outpatient clinic. The clinic will give you an individual appointment time and they should see you within 30 minutes of this time. If you have to wait for more than half an hour, staff should tell you why and how much longer you will be delayed.
- You are entitled to be treated within a reasonable time. By 2003, anyone waiting for inpatient or day case treatment is guaranteed admission within nine months. There are some exceptions to this. The Health Council can give you more information.
Complaints
- You have a right to make a complaint about health services. If you have a complaint you should first try to talk to the staff involved, or their manager. If you wish to take a complaint further Greater Glasgow Health Council can give confidential information and advice, and offer help and support. 'Patient's Guide No.4 - The NHS Complaints Procedure' outlines the steps you need to take and is available from the Greater Glasgow Health Council.
What's expected from you?
- Be on time for your appointment.
- Tell staff if you cannot keep your appointment.
- Make sure that your doctor has up-to-date information on how to contact you.
- Look after your own health.
- Use emergency services responsibly.
- Treat healthcare staff politely and with respect.
The Patient's Charter in Scotland has recently been under review. The above information was correct at the time of publication.
