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Medical malpractice is a highly technical and specialised field and many people would rather forget about an unpleasant incident that trying to battle it out with a health care professional – they are after all seen as respected members of the community. Every now and again a story about medical malpractice would pop up in the media, but is soon forgotten. However, the patient may undergo extreme stress and could even refuse to ever consult a health care professional again. This is especially true when health care professionals have abused their patients’ trust and assaulted them in some way, many times sexually. However, there are various codes of ethics and legislation in place that protect you against medical malpractice. You have the following rights when it comes to medical care:
- You should receive emergency medical treatment at the closest hospital, even if you don’t have medical aid. Once you are stabilised you can be transferred to a state facility.
- A safe and healthy environment
- You should participate in the decision making concerning your disease and treatment
- You have the right to the following health care services:
- Treatment and rehabilitation
- Provision for special needs
- Counselling
- Palliative care
- Health information
- Information about your health insurance/medical scheme
- A choice of health care services
- Receive treatment from a named health care provider
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Informed consent
- Referral for a second opinion
- Continuity of care
And above all, you have the right to complain about health care services you have received. However, with rights comes responsibility and some of your responsibilities include:
- To take care of your health
- To care and protect the environment
- To respect the rights of other patients and health care providers
- To provide your health care provider with accurate and relevant personal information for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and counselling.
If you believe you have a medical malpractice case, contact Adele van der Walt Attorneys today for personal attention and advice – we have ample experience in medico legal cases and we will provide you with the best service possible.
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