The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities (the ‘charter’) summarises what you’re entitled to when you:
It also covers what you can do if you feel that your rights have not been respected.
The charter also explains what’s expected of you when using the NHS in Scotland. Some of your responsibilities are set out in law. Others are what everyone is expected to do to help the NHS work effectively.
The charter supports the principle of mutual respect. Everyone who uses and provides NHS services has a right to be treated as an individual. They should also be treated with consideration, dignity and respect.
The information in the charter is divided into the following areas:
The charter is for everyone who accesses and uses NHS services and support in any part of Scotland. That includes patients, their carers, family members and NHS staff.
Throughout the charter, the terms ‘NHS services’ and ‘NHS staff’ are used. This refers to the services provided by:
This will also normally include those who provide NHS primary care services like:
Last updated:
18 October 2023