The protection of dignity entails having the right to a safe environment which will be healthy and clean. A medical care facility whether a doctor’s room or emergency facility, family clinic or a hospital must provide an environment where the patient’s safety is priority. This means that it must be hygienic and free from unnecessary hazards. If you for instance, undergo surgery in a theatre where the proper steps have not been taken to ensure your safety such as hygienic equipment or sterilized surgical tools used, then your right to safety has been violated.

Another aspect is that of privacy ensuring the protection of dignity. A medical practitioner cannot for instance, take pictures of your condition and disclose the pictures to the public without your written consent.

Understanding your rights and very important also your responsibilities as a patient is important. We realize that not all patients are aware of their rights. As such they are often the victims of the violation of their privacy, safety, and treatment rights. Unfortunately it is often the illiterate, older persons, young children, and the poor that suffer at the hands of indignant treatment.

Violation of your patient rights can take place at a dentist, family clinic, practitioner, the hospital or any medical care facility. If it already happened, you need to take steps right away.

For more information on this subject, please give us a call at 012 460 3668 (SA)
or e-mail us at linda@avdw.co.za