The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 and what is may mean for you
Everyone who uses the NHS in Scotland has rights and responsibilities.
The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 gives all patients the right that the health care they receive will:
- Consider their needs
- Consider what would most benefit their health and wellbeing
- Encourage them to take part in decisions about their health and wellbeing
- Provide them with the information and support to do so.
It also gives patients a right to give feedback, comments, raise concerns or complaints about the care they have received.
The headings below give some information on what your rights are:
- Access: your rights when using NHS health services in Scotland
- Communication and participation: the right to be informed, and involved in decisions, about health care and services
- Confidentiality: the right for your personal health information to be kept secure and confidential
- Respect: the right to be treated with dignity and respect
- Safety: the right to safe and effective care
- Feedback and complaints: the right to have a say about your care and have any concerns and complaints dealt with.