Patient rights and responsibilities

At St Vincent’s Clinic we are committed to providing the highest possible standards of healthcare within the mission of St Vincent’s Health Australia.

As a patient you have a right to expect a certain standard of healthcare, this includes:

  • Care that is respectful and reflects consideration of your personal values and beliefs and optimises your comfort and dignity
  • A high standard of professional care from competent and appropriately qualified staff
  • To be informed about facilities, services, costs, medications used, methods of treatment and referrals to other services
  • Involvement with the healthcare team in the planning and implementation of your care
  • Confidentiality of communication and records pertaining to your health care

You also have certain responsibilities, these include:

  • To provide accurate and complete information about your condition, past illness and medications
  • Consideration and respect for other patients, particularly with the control of noise, respect of property and observation of the non-smoking policy
  • To treat all healthcare workers at St Vincent’s Clinic with respect and courtesy regardless of their cultural and ethnic background

Advice on how to make a complaint, compliment or suggestion about your healthcare or treatment

You are entitled to comment on or complain about the services you receive at St Vincent’s Clinic. If you have a concern or a complaint we suggest that you first discuss the problem with the health service provider. Alternatively, you can direct your complaint to the St Vincent’s Clinic Executive Office.

St Vincent's Clinic would also appreciate hearing from you if you have a suggestion for improvement or a compliment about the service.

The New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) acts in the public interest by receiving, reviewing and investigating complaints about health care in New South Wales.

The HCCC provides direct assistance to people through a telephone inquiry service. Callers are advised about the options available to resolve their concerns and how to make a complaint to the HCCC. To contact an inquiry officer, please call (02) 9219 7444 or 1800 043 159.

Privacy and your health information

St Vincent’s Clinic is a values-based organisation and we respect and uphold your rights to privacy protection under the National Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988. For more information on our Privacy Policy click here.

Animals at St Vincent's Clinic

Only Guide dogs or accredited Assistance Dogs are permitted in St Vincent's Clinic. No other animals are permitted on the premises.

Smoke free campus

Smoking and environmental tobacco smoke is a serious risk to your health and the health of others. St Vincent’s Clinic and the entire St Vincent's Campus is a  smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited within all areas of the clinic including all entrances and outdoor areas. Electronic cigarettes are also prohibited. If you would like to obtain information on how to quit, you can contact the Quitline on 131 848.

The consumption of alcohol within clinic and its grounds is also prohibited.