Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities

(Patients’ Charter 1991)

Rights

Receive health care on the basis of clinical need, not on ability to pay, lifestyle or any other factor
Be registered with a GP and change your GP easily and quickly if you wish to. Get emergency treatment at any time through your GP
Be referred to a consultant acceptable to you when your GP thinks it necessary, and be referred for a second opinion if you and your GP agree this is desirable.
You have the right to choose whether or not you want to take part in medical research or medical student training.
You can expect us to respect your privacy, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs at all times.
You have the right to have access to your health records and know that everyone working for the NHS is under a legal duty to keep your records confidential.
Have a complaint about NHS services investigated fully.

Obligations