Patient rights

What are patient rights?

When you receive treatment from a medical professional you have a set of patient rights that must be adhered to throughout your treatment.

One of your rights is to receive the duty of care owed to you, which is a commitment that all medical professionals legally make.

Every medical staff member who advises you or provides treatment has this duty to you, legally and morally and regardless of whether they are a privately paid professional or an employee of the NHS.

However, the exact documentation that outlines your patient rights can vary depending on whether you're a private patient or being treated by the NHS.

NHS patient rights

When you receive care from the NHS, including from GPs and dentists, your rights are outlined by the NHS constitution. This document protects your right to:

• Access NHS healthcare
• Respect, confidentiality and informed consent
• A professional quality of care
• Complain, and, where medical negligence has occurred, claim compensation

Private patient rights

If you received private medical treatment or care then you're protected by the health professionals' codes, including the General Medical Council's Code of Conduct.