As a user of Health and Social Care services in Northern Ireland, you are entitled to the following fundamental rights:
Respect and Dignity
- Personal Consideration: You have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect. This includes full consideration of your privacy, dignity, and your religious and cultural beliefs.
- Equality of Care: You are entitled to receive treatment based solely on your clinical need, regardless of your ability to pay.
Access to Care
- Emergency Services: You have the right to receive emergency medical care at any time, 24/7.
Informed Decision-Making
- Clear Communication: You must be provided with transparent information regarding any proposed treatment or care. This includes a clear explanation of:
- Potential risks and benefits.
- Available alternatives.
- Personal Agency: Your personal wishes will be taken into account as far as possible. You have the final right to give or withhold consent for any medical procedure or care plan.
Participation and Privacy
- Research and Training: You have the absolute right to choose whether or not to participate in clinical research or student training programs. Your refusal will not affect the quality of your care.
- Data Access: You are entitled to see any information held about you on digital systems. Furthermore, you have the right to review any medical reports prepared for insurance or employment purposes.