The Charter describes what consumers, or someone they care for, can expect when receiving health care.
These rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia. This includes public and private hospitals, day procedure services, general practice and other community health services.
The first edition of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights was endorsed by health ministers in 2008. The second edition was launched in August 2019.
It was developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care together with consumers, health service staff and policy-makers.
The Charter reflects the NSW Health focus on elevating the human experience and the responsibility of health service staff to ensure that consumers or someone they care for are aware of their healthcare rights.
The Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH) – one of our voting members and a trusted HCNSW partner organisation – is the champion for the Australian Charter on the Rights of Children and Young People in Healthcare Services. It provides a framework to help empower children and young people to know about their rights and guidance for the staff caring for them.
In 2023, Health Consumers NSW together with the Commission produced the Patient Power Podcast which is based on the Charter. Have a listen HERE.
