The Patient's Charter

We set out below the Patient's Rights and the standards of service the patient can expect to receive at King Edward VII's Hospital Sister Agnes.

Access to Services

Patients have the right to receive health care on the basis of their clinical need, be referred to a consultant acceptable to the patient by their GP and to be referred for a second opinion if the patient and the GP agree this is desirable. The patient can expect the Hospital to make it as easy as possible for everyone to use its services, including the elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities.

Personal Consideration and Respect

Staff will address the patient by their full title unless the patient expresses another preference, which the staff will respect. Patients can expect all staff they meet face to face to wear name badges, which will incorporate their full name, title and position. Patients can expect the Hospital to respect privacy, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs at all times and in all areas (e.g. meals to suit dietary and religious needs). Patients can expect to have a chaperone present during any examination, procedure or treatment irrespective of organisational constraints or settings in which this is carried out. Patients can, if they wish, discuss health related matters with a member of staff of the same sex.

Providing information - Patients have the right to: Have any proposed treatment, including any risks involved in that treatment and any alternative course of treatment clearly explained prior to consent. Have access to their health records in accordance with the Access to Health Records Act 1990 and the Hospital's Medical Records policy. This policy states that a patient or their representative can gain access to their Health Records by making a formal request in writing. The request must include the patients consent and signature agreeing to the release of such information, should be addressed to the Medical Records Coordinator and will incur an administration charge. All personnel working at King Edward VII's Hospital Sister Agnes are under both contractual and legal obligations to keep all patient information and records confidential. Have any complaint about the Hospital's services, clinical or non-clinical, investigated and receive a prompt explanation following investigation. If appropriate, only participate in medical research if they have discussed this with their consultant and given valid consent. Be assured that the Hospital will not tolerate incidents of verbal or physical abuse.