Health Sector Reform Programme of Trinidad

	Ministry of Health
	Health Sector Reform Programme of Trinidad & Tobago Bringing Healthcare closer to you !

The Patient's Charter of Rights and Obligations:
A Summarised Version

Foreword
The National Health Service is undoubtedly the most important public service provided to the nation in terms of its impact on the quality of life of the vast majority of the population.The health of the nation is the primary concern of this Government, and in this regard the Ministry of Health has a responsibility to promote the interests and wellbeing of patients of health care facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. Patients must always come first, and the Patient’s Charter is designed to direct the delivery of quality services to the public – both paying and non-paying.
The launch of the first ever Patient’s Charter in this country is a significant development in the thrust towards achieving a health service comparable with the best in the world.It signals the introduction of national standards for the delivery of health care, which will essentially impact on the quality of services and the efficiency of health care systems.
The Patient’s Charter entitles every patient to equal access to a consistently high standard of care, and protects every patient’s civil and religious liberties, including the right to independent personal decisions and knowledge of available choices. It signifies the Ministry’s commitment to the availability of quality health care to all persons on the basis of clinical need, and regardless of the ability to pay.
For years the health care system in this country has been plagued by many inefficiencies. Several steps are being taken to upgrade the quality of services and to meet the demands of the growing population.
The Patient’s Charter is one such initiative on the Ministry’s agenda to successfully transform the national health service, and to provide improved services and a better quality of life for all our citizens.

Colm Imbert
Honourable Minister of Health
August 2002

Patients Rights

1. Access to Treatment
Every individual including minors, the homeless and persons with disabilities should be given impartial access to treatment without considering his/her race, religion, gender or social class.

2. Respect
You have the right to receive respectful treatment from providers of health care at all times and under all circumstances.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality
You have the right to privacy with respect to your person and to information.

4. Personal Safety/Security
You have the right to expect reasonable security and that your personal property will be secured whilst at the health facility.

5. Freedom From Abuse
You shall be protected from mental, sexual and physical abuse or the intentional and non-therapeutic infliction of physical pain or injury.

6. Identity
You have the right to know the identity and the professional position of individuals who are providing you with services.

7. Information
You have the right to receive current information on your diagnosis, treatment alternatives, risk and prognosis.

8. Communication
You have the right to access people other than hospital personnel, through visitors and through oral and written communication.

9. Consent
You have the right to be informed about and to participate in the decisions related to your health and treatment.

10. Consultations
Under petition and at your own expense, you have the right to consult with a specialist and get from him/her a second opinion on the procedure proposed.

11. Refusal of Treatment
You have the right to refuse treatment or care.

12. Respect for Culture and Religion
You have the right to manifestation of your cultural and/or religious expressions whilst admitted, as long as they do not interfere with the normal activities of the health facility.

13. Complaints
You have the right to file a complaint when you consider your rights infringed.

14. Patient’s Records
You or your authorised representative have the right to access a copy of your records.

15. Participation in Planning Treatment
You have the right to participate in the planning of your health care.

16. Notification of Family Members
If you are brought to a facility unconscious, or comatose or unable to communicate, the facility shall make reasonable efforts to contact a family member or person designated.

17. Continuity of Care
You have the right to be cared for with reasonable regularity and continuity of staff assignment as far as facility policy allows.

18. Medical and Nursing Services
You shall expect to receive medical and nursing care from professionals registered, enrolled or listed by the regulatory Councils.

19. Primary Health Services
At some of the District Health Facilities you can expect extended hours of service, x-rays, laboratory tests, specialist clinics, health promotion information and visits from the health visitor, district nurse or midwife as necessary.

20. 21. 22. 23. General Practitioner, Pharmaceutical, Ophthalmological and Dental Services

You have the right to receive information about services and medication, ophthalmological care, and dental care from a suitably qualified professional registered to practise in Trinidad and Tobago.

You have the right to knowledge of the cost of your prescription and the right to view the expiration date before deciding to purchase. You have the right to retain attached literature of medications purchased.

Patients Obligations

1. Supply of Information
You are responsible for providing precise and complete information on your current complaints, previous diseases, hospitalisations, drugs and other matters related to your health.

2. Compliance with Instruction
You are responsible for following the plan of treatment recommended by the professional responsible for your care, for keeping your appointments and communicating whether or not you understand the course of action to be undertaken in treatment.

3. Refusal of Treatment
You are responsible for your action if you refuse to receive treatment or follow the instructions of the practitioner.

4. Regulations and Statutes of the Hospital/Health Facility
You are responsible for observing hospital regulations and statutes that relate to the treatment and behaviour of patients and visitors.

5. Respect and Consideration
You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and the personnel of the health facility.

6. Financial Obligations
If you assume financial obligation for your health care, then it is your responsibility to see that this is settled in due time.

How you can Help the Health Sector
We have explained to you your rights and obligations when accessing care at health facilities. We expect that you will use the services in a responsible manner, letting us know about your experiences. You can help us by remembering to:

• Give Customer Relations Officers or patient representatives your comments and suggestions so that we can improve services wherever possible.
• Communicate your complaint to the Customer Relations or Complaints Officers and expect a response.
• Let us know as soon as possible if you cannot keep an appointment (this will help us to see someone else instead).
• Tell your doctor, nurse, pharmacist and other care provider or records officer if you have changed your name, address or telephone number.

Thank you for helping us to help you.
Valerie Alleyne-Rawlins
Manager, Quality Management
August 2002

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