Being treated with respect
No matter what your circumstances, when using health or social care services you should always be treated fairly and with respect. This is particularly important when you are unwell or dependent on the actions or care of others; for example, staff in hospital or carers at home.
You are entitled to be treated properly and with respect when using health and social care services, whether as a patient or a carer. Find out more about what may constitute abuse or neglect in a health or social care setting.
Example
A man with learning disabilities was living in a residential care home. He was regularly tied to a bed or his wheelchair for 16 hours at a time, to prevent him from hitting his head and face. This kind of situation would breach his right not to be treated in an inhuman or degrading way.
As a public authority, the NHS has legal responsibilities to promote equality and tackle discrimination in the way it provides access to services and treatment. Find out more about the legal duties of public authorities.
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Privacy and confidentiality
All patients are entitled to privacy and confidentiality in health and social care, regardless of their personal circumstances. This includes young people under 16 and disabled people. If you are a disabled person and need someone with you during treatment to explain things, such as an advocate, carer or sign language interpreter, this should be allowed. Equally, if you would prefer not to have anyone else present, this should also be respected.
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Being treated as an individual
Regardless of why you are using health or social care services, or whether or not you have a disability, you should always be treated as an individual when receiving treatment. Health and social care providers should always talk directly to you, as the patient, unless you have asked them to communicate with an advocate or nominated person who is also present. They should use clear, simple language without patronising you.
The Human Rights Act gives you the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the right to respect for private and family life. For example, it may be unlawful for public authorities, such as hospitals, to stop you practising your religion – publicly or privately – including observing dietary requirements. The Act also protects beliefs other than religion, such as veganism or pacifism. Note, however, that this is a qualified right rather than an absolute right.
Find out more about your human rights in a health and social care context.
Example
A hospital had a mixed ward and promised to re-order it so that men were at one end, with women at the other. It did not do this, and an Orthodox Jewish woman was highly distressed about sharing a ward with men. This kind of situation could be a breach of the human right to respect for private life. It may also be discrimination in the provision of services on grounds of religion and belief.
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