Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities

Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' rights and responsibilities are regulated by the Law of Obligations Act and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. These define the relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider and ensure the delivery of high-quality health care.

Patients have the right to:

  • receive urgent care
  • receive information about their health status, treatment options and outcomes in a language they can understand
  • ask medical staff questions if anything is unclear
  • participate in decisions about their treatment plan and choose the most suitable treatment option from those available
  • refuse treatment within the limits of the law and receive information about the possible consequences of refusal
  • receive timely care in a safe environment
  • privacy and confidentiality
  • be treated with respect and in a way that takes into account their values
  • seek an independent opinion from another doctor and, if necessary, contact hospital management, the Health Fund or the Health Board to protect their rights.

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The patient is responsible for helping to achieve the best possible treatment outcome:

  • provide the healthcare provider with all relevant information about their health and illnesses
  • cooperate and follow the treatment plan, instructions and schedule prescribed by the doctor
  • take responsibility for their behaviour and lifestyle
  • treat staff and fellow patients with respect
  • take into account the privacy, security and comfort of other patients
  • keep confidential information about other patents’ identity, private life and health
  • inform the staff of any problems that arise or complete the “Good wishes, concerns and suggestions” form
  • comply with personal hygiene requirements and hospital rules
  • pay any applicable patient charges for healthcare services