We are committed to working in partnership with you to ensure you, or your child, receive the best possible care.
It’s important to ask questions about your care and treatment options. You should also ensure you receive all the information you need to make informed decisions.
The following tips can help you become more actively involved in you or your child's health care
- speak up if you have any questions or concerns
- learn more about your condition or treatments by asking your doctor, nurse or other health care professional, or seek other information sources
- keep a list of all the medicines you are taking and make sure you understand what you are taking
- make sure you get the results of any tests or procedures
- talk to your doctor or other health care professionals about your options
- make sure you know what is involved if you need a procedure
- make sure you agree with your doctor and surgeon on exactly what occurs during any procedure
- ask your doctor or other health professional to explain the treatment plan for home before you leave hospital.
Questions to ask your treating team
About the diagnosis
- What diagnosis have I been given?
- What signs/symptoms suggest this?
- What is known about the cause of this diagnosis?
- What is likely to happen in the future?
- If a diagnosis has not been made, what are the possible diagnoses?
- Are there any general health issues associated with this diagnosis?
About your assessment
- What assessments have been done?
- Are there other assessments that might be needed?
- Are there any physical problems that have been discovered?
- If so, what treatment is needed?
About care and treatment
- What are the aims of my care and treatment?
- Who else will be involved in my treatment?
- How often will you or someone from my treating team see me?
- What is your treatment plan for me?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What happens if I refuse treatment?
- Can I choose when I leave?
- Who will I need to see about my treatment when I leave?
- What is my legal standing under the Mental Health Act? How does this affect me?
- How will my family/friends/ children/carers be involved in discussions about my treatment?
About medicine
- What medicine is being/will be used?
- What are the benefits (short and long term)?
- What are the possible side effects (short and long term)?
- How long does this medicine take to work?
- Does this medicine interact with other medicines and/ or complementary therapies (such as vitamins, supplements, natural remedies)?
- Why has this medicine been chosen for me?
- How long will I need to take this medicine?
- Are there other medicines that can be used if this one doesn’t work?
- Are there ways to manage my illness other than medicine?
- What else can I do to improve my wellness and recovery?
- What will happen if I stop taking my medicine?
- Do you have any written information about my medicine?
About leaving hospital
- How long will I stay in hospital?
- What arrangements will be made for me after leaving hospital?
- When will these arrangements start?
- What supports are available for my family/children when I leave hospital?
- Can I choose when to end my hospital stay?