Your rights/responsibilities

The NHS works with patients, carers and other organisations to improve standards of care, so whichever hospital you go to you can expect the same quality of care. Please contact our Patient Liaison Advice Service (PALS) if you would like advice or support in any issue, or with the formal complaint procedure. The team will be happy to talk to you and to help.

Your data matters

A new data protection law, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May 2018. The Trust is committed to keeping your data secure and safe. The changes don’t alter the way we use and protect your personal data but make it easier for you to find out how we use it. There is nothing you need to do, but please see the information below for more information.

Your rights

Staying informed

Your nurse or doctor will explain what is wrong with you, the different treatments for your condition and the benefits and risks of each. If you decide to go ahead with your treatment, you may be asked to sign a consent form. We will also keep any relative or friend you name informed about your condition.

Taking part in decisions

You can expect to be involved in all decisions about your treatment. This will include decisions as to whether it is appropriate to attempt to resuscitate you after heart or breathing failure. You may be asked to take part in medical research or medical student training, you do not have to agree to this.

Being treated with respect

We will respect your privacy and dignity, being sensitive to, and respecting, your religious, spiritual and cultural needs at all times. You will be treated fairly according to your healthcare needs, regardless of age, sex, disability or sexuality.

Your health records

We respect your privacy and keep your health records secure. Under the Data Protection laws you are entitled to have access to your record.. All you need to do is print and complete the application form below, and send it to the address provided along with proof of your identity.

Access services within maximum waiting times

We plan to treat you within 18 weeks, dependent upon your choice, co-operation and clinical complexity. If not possible, we will undertake all reasonable steps to offer a quicker appointment to start treatment with an appropriate alternative provider if you request; and provide a dedicated point of contact if the maximum waiting time has been, or will be breached and you wish to seek an alternative.

Your responsibilities

Just as we recognise that all patients have rights, we recognise that people using our facilities have responsibilities, some of which are set out below.

  • Ask a team member caring for you to explain further if there is anything you don't understand and/or are worried about.
  • Advise your named nurse or sister/charge nurse if you have any special needs so appropriate arrangements can be made.
  • Tell us your GP’s name and if you change your GP.
  • Tell us if you know you are allergic to any treatments, medicines or foods.
  • Treat other patients and staff with politeness and consideration.
  • Recognise that racial, sexual or other harassment of staff, other patients or visitors is not acceptable.
  • Attend your hospital appointments on time or contact us in advance if you are unable to make them.
  • Arrange your own transport home (unless the doctor feels that an ambulance service is required).
  • Hand any valuable items to your named nurse or ward Sister in charge for safe keeping (we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal property not handed in).

We operate a ‘zero tolerance’ policy, which means any form of verbal or physical abuse may be reported to the police.