Your rights as a patient

The right to information is a fundamental part of the patient-carer relationship, in order to ensure that the patient’s healthcare is of high quality and respects the patient’s autonomy. 

If you encounter any problems, or if you have any questions about your care programme, do not hesitate to discuss this with your attendant doctor or nurse. They will be able to provide you with the answers which we hope will allow you to overcome any difficulties and clarify any misunderstandings.

We would like to encourage you to read the brochure entitled ‘L’Essentiel sur les droits des patients’ (‘What you need to know about patients’ rights’), which has been drawn up by Sanimedia and by the Public Health Service.

This brochure outlines the rights to which you are entitled, especially within the framework of the Cantonal Health Law, and explains how they apply. 

These include the following rights:

• The right to information
• Free and enlightened consent
• Professional confidentiality
• Access to your medical record
• Writing advance directives
• Appointing a therapeutic agent 
• The right to be accompanied 
• The right to free choice
• Coercive measures
• Organ and tissue donation
• Options for appealing 

The brochure entitled ‘L’Essentiel sur les droits des patients’ is available at the reception desk and in the healthcare units.

You may also download this brochure free of charge on www.sanimedia.ch