Your Rights as an NHS patient
Remember that all NHS patients have a right to dignity, respect and privacy. It is sometimes difficult to understand the NHS and to know what you are entitled to, but the following are some of your essential rights:
Information
You have a right to be given clear information about treatment, including any risks and alternatives.Second Opinion
You have a right to seek a second opinion about your diagnosis. If you decide to do so it would be sensible to get it organised as soon as possible, because it is not wise to delay your treatment.Research
Research is always going on into new treatments for patients with brain tumours. Some patients may be asked to participate in new treatments or drug trials. You have a right to refuse to participate in research. Your decision will not affect your quality of care and treatment.Medical Records
You are entitled to see your medical records if you wish to do so.Waiting time at Clinics
You have a right to be seen near the time of your appointment. Hospitals sometimes have sudden emergencies and shortages of staff, which cannot be helped, but you should always receive adequate explanations if there are any long delays.Religious and cultural beliefs
You are entitled to have your religious and cultural beliefs respected: for example, any wish relating to preparation of your food, the availability of interpreters, visits from religious representatives, and privacy according to your sex.
Your Guide to the NHS
Issued by the Department of Health, Your guide to the NHS sets out in more detail your rights as an NHS patient. This can be viewed online at http://www.nhs.uk/nhsguide/start.htm If you want to find out more about how the NHS works and about your local NHS services, visit www.nhs.uk. Alternatively you can ask your doctor or nurse for a copy of Your Guide to the NHS.
NHS Direct
NHS Direct is a confidential 24-hour telephone helpline. By calling 0845 4647, you can speak to a nurse for advice at any time of the day or night. For quality health information and advice on the Internet visit NHS Direct Online www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
The NHS Plan
The NHS Plan was introduced in 2000 and sets out the concept of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service or PALS. PALS have been designed as a means of providing on the spot help for patients within all trusts, including acute, mental health and primary care trusts. PALS will be visible and accessible through a number of means. For example, they will be situated in main hospital reception areas and primary care settings. The service will be advertised locally and will be accessed through free-phone numbers.
PALS
PALS will be employed by and responsible to the trusts. Their job will include: provision of information to patients, carers and families, about health and health services locally; to resolve problems and concerns quickly, before they become more serious; to inform people of the complaints procedure, and put them in touch with specialist, independent advocacy services when they wish to complain formally; to act as an early warning system for Trusts and Patients' Forums; and operate in a network with other PALS in their area, to ensure seamless service for patients who move between and use many different parts of the care system.) Contact your local or strategic Health Authority HA for specific PALS contact information.