Health care—I can access services to attend to my health care needs.

• advise Mater of any changes to my address, contact and GP details
• be aware that I may need to wait for attention or treatment at times if staff are attending to other patients
• keep my appointments, or notify Mater if I am unable to attend
• accept that some services I require may not be available at Mater.

Receive safe and high quality care—I receive safe and high quality health services, provided with professional care, skill and competence.

• provide accurate information about my health and anything else that may have an impact on my care (including alternative or complementary therapies)
• tell staff of changes I notice in my medical condition
• tell staff if I have concerns regarding any aspects of my care.

Be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a clear and open manner—I receive open, timely and appropriate communication about my health care in a manner I can understand.

• be as open and honest as I can, and ask for more information if I do not understand
• tell staff if English is not my first language so I can be given access to an interpreter in person or by phone
• understand that if I am not covered by Medicare (for example, I am an overseas visitor) I will be responsible for payment of all relevant fees and charges
• understand that if I elect to be a private (chargeable) patient, I will be given information about costs and I will be responsible for paying my attending doctors and any other relevant charges.

Be included in decisions and choices about my care—I may join in making decisions and choices about my care and about health service planning.

• ask questions so I can be informed about my medical condition and my care options before giving my consent to any treatment
• discuss my concerns and decisions with my health care provider, for example, if I do not wish to continue treatment, am unable to comply with treatment, or intend to discharge myself against medical advice. Once I am made aware of the implications, I must accept responsibility for the consequences of my decisions
• provide a copy of advanced health care directives, enduring power of attorney or other legal documents which may be relevant to my care
• participate in my post-discharge care planning.

Be shown respect, dignity and consideration—the care provided shows respect to me and my culture (for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), beliefs and personal needs and requirements.

• tell staff of circumstances concerning my culture and beliefs so they can respond to my needs
• treat Mater staff, patients and visitors with respect and dignity
• respect other patients and staff, for example, by limiting noise and the number of visitors.

Privacy and confidentiality of my personal information—my personal privacy is maintained and proper handling of my personal health and other information is assured.

• accept that my health information may be shared with appropriate health care providers and other agencies as authorised by law
• ask for my recorded health information to be corrected if it is inaccurate
• respect the privacy and confidentiality of others.

Comment on my care and to have my concerns addressed—I can comment on or complain about my care and have my concerns investigated and responded to.

• tell staff if I have a problem or any concerns so they can respond.