Your Rights

We believe that every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. At Wollongong Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery you have the right to:

• be treated with care, consideration and dignity.
• know what services are available in the hospital you are using.
• be given by your doctor a clear, concise explanation in non-medical terms of your condition, explanation of the procedure to be followed, treatment alternatives and possible risks or side affects.
• be informed if the treatment proposed is experimental or is to be part of medical research. You are entitled to refuse such treatment and still receive the appropriate medical care.
• ask for a second opinion to be given about your treatment.
• seek assistance from trained interpreters to assist you in understanding your treatment if required.
• you must give your informed consent before treatment begins. You are able to withdraw your consent and refuse further treatment at any time.
• have details of your condition and treatment kept confidential by our staff, unless the law requires that such information be given to another person or authority.
• receive a full estimation of fees outlining all out of pocket expenses before any treatment begins. If you are worried about costs, you should discuss this with your doctor or the Manager of Wollongong Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• exercise any of these rights on behalf of your children or wards if you are a parent or guardian of a patient.
• ask to stay with the child at all times, if your child is in hospital – except where separation is necessary for medical reasons.
• ask the doctor in charge of your case to give you full access to your own medical files.
• receive prompt response in emergencies.

Your Responsibilities

• please ask questions about your health and treatment and become well informed about your procedures. Never hesitate to ask for this information, even if it means repeating the same questions until you understand. Delay in asking questions that trouble you may lead you to unnecessary worry.
• it is helpful if you know your own medical history (including details of any medications which you may be taking regularly or occasionally).
• answer questions about your health frankly and honestly. You should also discuss with your doctor any problems that you feel may be affecting your health or medical condition.
• be sure to keep appointments, or inform those concerned if you are unable to attend. Comply with prescribed treatment, or inform your health professional of your intention not to do so.
• accept the consequences of your own informed decision, and only change your mind about treatment with good reason.
• inform your doctor if you are currently in consultation with, or under treatment from, another health professional in connection with the same complaint.
• conduct yourself in an appropriate way so as not to interfere with the well being or rights of other patients or staff.
• you will be responsible for paying your attending doctor’s fees. You should therefore make sure your level of private health insurance is sufficient, as you are liable for charges if any are not covered by your private health insurance.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

Privacy

Please see our Privacy Policy.
For further information please visit The Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

Making a Complaint

Please see our Complaints Procedure.