Rights and responsibilities

Your Rights

• You are entitled to be treated with care and dignity
• You are entitled to know what services are available in the centre
• You are entitled to a clear explanation by your ophthalmologist of:
  • Your condition, problem and disease
  • Any planned treatment or investigation
  • Any alternative procedures available
  • Possible side-effects or after-effects
  • Chances of success and any serious risks involved
• As is the case with all medical treatment you are entitled to a second opinion
• Your consent is required before any treatment can commence. By having yourself admitted to the Day Surgery, you have implied general consent for treatment. Please read the “Consent to Operate Procedure”. This should only be signed and witnessed if you feel suitably informed.
• You may withdraw your consent and refuse treatment at any time.
• Before any treatment is commenced you are entitled to know in detail the likely costs that may be involved in any treatment alternatives.
• You have the right to know the identity and professional status of individuals providing services to you.
• The Eye Surgery Foundation complies with and abides by the National Privacy Principles. Information collected is directly related to care and treatment of the patient, government, statistical gathering and private health billing requirements.
• Under certain circumstances this information may be shared without your consent e.g. emergency situations.
• Medical records are owned by the hospital and you will need to approach the hospital about access. If you require access to your records write to: Administrator, Eye Surgery Foundation, 42 Ord Street, West Perth, WA 6005

Your Responsibilities

• Please notify the Day Hospital as soon as possible if you are unable to arrive at the scheduled time, or if you wish to postpone or cancel your admission
• Supply those caring for you with complete and accurate information concerning your health, medical history and medications.
• For safety reasons the hospital cannot treat patients whose weight is above 120Kg. If this is applicable to you please discuss the matter with your ophthalmologist prior to admission
• Respect the rights of other patients, visitors and staff.
• Inform those caring for you when you do not understand explanations
• You are responsible for paying your attending doctor’s and hospital accounts
• You should respect the hospital as well as as the property of other persons.
• Should you , your family or your carer feel that they wish to comment about aspects of care or treatment they received, this can be made either verbally, in writing or online through our “contact form” link.

Complaints

• Written complaints will be reviewed and written responses will be sent to the complaintant outlining any action taken.
• Complaints can be made to any of the following:
• Management / Nursing / Privacy issues:
  • To the Administrator, Eye Surgery Foundation
• Medical issues:
  • To your treating Ophthalmologist
  • To the Medical Advisory Committee, Eye Surgery Foundation
• Health Fund Issues:
  • To Your Private Health Fund
  • To the Health Rights Commission
  • To the Health Fund Ombudsman complaints hotline 1800 640 695