Healthcare is a two way process between you, the patient, and the staff who care for you. You have the right to expect high quality care, but there are things you can do to help ensure you get this.

As a patient you can expect:

• To be treated with courtesy and with respect for your privacy and dignity
• To receive treatment on the basis of your clinical need
• 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 decisions about your treatment and to have the pros and cons of treatment, including any risks, side effects and alternative methods of treatment, fully explained
• To be given time to ask questions about diagnosis and treatment and to receive clear information
• To know the names and professional status of all the staff involved in your care
• If your doctor refers you for a hospital appointment, you are entitled to have a copy of the referral letter he has written

As a patient, you have a responsibility:

• To treat the staff who care for you with courtesy and respect at all times
• To inform the practice of any change in contact address or telephone number
• To attend appointments on time or give reasonable notice of inability to attend
• To let staff know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to medications
• To take any medication 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
• To treat other patients with courtesy and respect
• To attend follow up appointments as requested