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1. You have the right to be involved in discussions and decisions about your healthcare, and to be given information to enable you to do this
What this right means for patients:
Your doctor should listen to you and respond to your concerns and preferences about your healthcare. That way you can find out what is the best treatment for you. NHS staff will give you the information you need to support these discussions and decisions.
2. You have the right to be involved, directly or through representatives, in the planning of healthcare services, the development and consideration of proposals for changes in the way those services are provided, and in decisions to be made affecting the operation of those services
What this right means for patients:
You have the right to have your say in person or through a representative:
- in the planning of healthcare services;
- on the proposals for any changes in the way in which your services are provided; and
- on decisions which may affect the operation of these services.
This right applies if implementation of a proposal or decision would have an impact on:
- the manner in which services are delivered to you or other service users; or
- the range of health services available to you or other service users.
A&E is not anything and everything
Remember A&E is not always the most appropriate place to go especially if you do not have life-threatening problems, find out how you can Choose well to get the right treatment at the right time.
Share your experiences of healthcare on the independent Patient Opinion website
All you need to know about more than 750 conditions and treatments. Search NHS Choices now.
You could use this service to choose your hospital or clinic and book an appointment with a specialist. Click here to find out more.