The Lennox Head Medical Centre wishes to introduce a new patient charter that makes both the rights and the responsibilities of or patients clear. We would appreciate feedback, which can be forwarded through the web master at this site.

The Patients' Charter sets out your rights and responsibilities

The doctor patient partnership is a collaboration based on mutual respect. Within the partnership both patients and doctors have rights as well as responsibilities.

Your rights as a patient:

To receive care without regard to your race, colour, national origin, religion, age, gender, ability or disability, or lifestyle. To receive respectful care which promotes your dignity, privacy, safety, and comfort.

Your corresponding responsibility is to give your doctor, the other staff members and other patients respect and consideration.

You have the right to be seen in a timely manner for your health concerns.

Your responsibility is to cancel or change your appointment early enough to allow others in need to have access to a doctor.

You have the right, whenever possible, to select your own doctor.

You have a responsibility to keep your own doctor informed of changes to your medical care.

You have the right to request and receive quality care that is consistent with sound nursing and medical practices.

Your responsibility is to provide complete, honest information to your doctor and to other practice staff members, so that the best decisions may be made about your healthcare.

You have the right to request and receive referral for specialist treatment when necessary.

You have a responsibility to notify your doctor if you choose not to follow advice to have your condition reviewed by a specialist, or follow specialist advice. This allows the doctor the opportunity to inform you of the potential risks of this decision

You have the right to request and receive a second opinion.

You have a responsibility to notify your doctor if you have chosen other advice on your management.

You have the right to be informed of the nature of your illness and treatment options, including potential risks, benefits, alternatives and costs of any procedure, test or treatment, and to participate in your healthcare decisions.

You have a responsibility to review with your doctor
-if you experience a significant change in your symptoms
-if symptoms do not resolve as described by your doctor
-if there is a significant deterioration in your condition
-if you experience an adverse effect of your treatment.


You have the right to expect that all staff will communicate with you in a manner you can understand.

Your responsibility is to make sure that you let our doctors know if you do not understand and to ask questions in order to clarify your understanding of this information.

You have the right to accept or refuse recommended tests or treatments and to be informed of the medical consequences of your choices.

If you agree to a course of treatment, you have a responsibility to yourself and to your doctor to follow the prescribed instructions, including completing medication courses, performing advised investigations, following up investigation results and returning for follow-up appointments. You are responsible for the consequences of your decisions should you chose not to follow your doctors advice.

You have the right to be assured that your medical and personal information will be handled in a confidential manner.

You have the right to privacy concerning your health care. All care and counselling received at our practice will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

You have the right to have access to your medical records within a reasonable time of your request.

You have the right to review your clinical record in accordance with our practice procedural guidelines, you may review your record with an authorized staff member. You may also request a copy of your medical record, or designate a Health Care Provider to receive a copy of your record on your behalf.
Your responsibility is to use this service wisely, and to pay any fee for this service promptly.

You have the right to be informed of any proposed research or experimental treatment that may be considered in your care, and to consent or refuse to participate.

You have the right to request and receive information regarding the charges for any treatment and to receive an explanation of your bill upon request.

You should be aware that any service is your financial responsibility.

You have the right to express complaints or grievances about the quality of care or services and to voice them without fear of reprisal or discrimination and to receive prompt and courteous response to your concerns.

If you have any questions about these rights and responsibilities, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

We are committed to respecting your rights as a patient. In addition, we appreciate your efforts in partnering with us to best address your healthcare needs. If you have any concerns about your care or feel that your rights have not been respected, please let us know. Timely feedback helps us to make sure we are meeting your needs.

If you have a concern, please bring it to the attention of your doctor or to the practice manager. You also may contact Dr Christopher Mitchell for assistance. If you prefer, you also may contact the Health Care Complaints Commission at Locked mail bag 18. Strawberry Hills. 2012
to report your complaint.