Rights and Responsibilities of patients and Doctors
The patient has a right:
1. To be treated with consideration and respect, taking account of particular social and cultural needs.
2. To have access to information and professional support in order to maintain optimal health for themselves.
3. To be informed about diagnostic tests, medications and procedures which are available or likely to be used, as well as reasons, common risks and benefits of proposed treatment or investigations, and possible alternate courses of action
4. To be informed in understandable and culturally sensitive ways about the condition and progress of their medical conditions during the course of their treatment.
5. To participate in making decisions about their unless an emergency prevents their participation.
6. To exercise informed choice including refusal of treatment or investigation and /or participation in teaching and research.
7. To express concerns about care offered and to seek further opinion.
8. To be given appropriate privacy and to know that her medical records are being handled in a confidential and sensitive manner.
The GP has the right:
1. To be provided with full and as accurate information as appropriate.
2. To receive communication and co-operation from the patient in the planning and provision of their care.
3. To be advised of the preferences, needs and expectations of their acceptance or refusal of advice given.
4. To refuse to carry out treatment he or she believes to be dangerous or unethical.
5. To have periods of leave, whether recreation or for other purposes.
It is the responsibility of the patient:
1. To seek appropriate information, look after their health and make responsible arrangements for their health..
2. To communicate with their GP by providing full and accurate information necessary for their care.
3. To express their preferences, needs and expectations to their GP so that planning treatment is a cor-operative and informed process.
4. To recognize that planning of treatment must be flexible and subject to modification if necessary, particularly in the event of complications which mean that their expectations can not be safely met.
5. To acknowledge that having the right to informed choice including refusal or advice or treatment implies taking responsibility for those choices and any consequences for their health.
It is responsibility of the GP:
1. To deliver expert advice and treatment, in a caring professional manner, to maximise the safety and well being of their patients.
2. To provide appropriate level of information and explanation of:
• Medical condition
• Advice offered and tests , treatment recommended
• The condition and progress of their medical illness
3. To arrange a further opinion or advice from another doctor is requested or required.
4. To offer another referral to another GP id unable to continue care for any reason.
5. To provide appropriate cover for periods off duty or on leave
6.To communicate with other members of the health care team
