Your Rights, Responsibilities and Information at Gastro Diagnostics
At Gastro Diagnostics, we are committed to providing safe, respectful, and high-quality care. Your rights and responsibilities, the way we handle your consent, and how we manage your records are all part of ensuring you receive the best care possible.
This guide explains your rights as a patient, what we ask from you in return, how we handle your consent, and how your medical records are managed.
Your Rights as a Patient
When you come to Gastro Diagnostics, you can expect:
Respect and dignity – you will be treated with courtesy and without discrimination.
Safe and professional care – in line with current medical standards.
Privacy and confidentiality – your personal and medical information is protected under Australian law.
Clear information – about your condition, tests, and treatment options, including risks and benefits.
Choice and consent – you decide whether to go ahead with a procedure or treatment.
Access to your information – you can request access to your medical record.
Feedback and complaints – you can raise concerns without fear of discrimination, and we will respond fairly and promptly.
Your Responsibilities as a Patient
To help us provide the best care, we ask that you:
Give accurate and complete information about your health, medications, and history.
Follow the agreed treatment plan and advice from your doctor.
Treat staff and other patients with courtesy and respect.
Arrive on time for appointments or let us know if you need to reschedule.
Respect our facilities and clinic property.
Pay for services rendered, in full and as due.
Consent to Treatment
Before any treatment or procedure, you have the right to understand what is involved.
Consent means saying “yes” to a treatment after receiving enough information to make an informed decision.
Your consent must always be:
Voluntary – given freely, without pressure.
Informed – based on clear information about risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Specific – for the particular treatment or procedure discussed.
You can ask questions at any time and take the time you need to decide.
Some treatments require a signed consent form, especially those involving anaesthetics or procedures with higher risks.
You can withdraw your consent at any time, including after signing a consent form.
How We Handle Your Medical Records
Your medical record is important for your care. It may include details of your medical history, test results, letters from specialists, and information about your treatments.
Security: Your records are kept securely, either in electronic form or on paper. Only authorised staff can access them.
Retention:
For adults: records are kept for at least 7 years from your last visit.
For children: records are kept until you turn 25 years old.
Destruction: When records are no longer legally required, they are securely destroyed (shredded or permanently deleted).
Access: You can request access to your records in writing. In some cases, a small fee may apply. Access may be limited only where the law requires (for example, if release would cause serious harm).
Sharing your information: We may share your information with other healthcare providers directly involved in your care (e.g. your GP, specialist, or hospital). We may also need to share information when required by law (e.g. notifiable diseases). We will always do so in line with privacy laws.
Feedback and Complaints
We value your feedback to help improve our services.
You can raise a concern directly with any staff member, or contact our Practice Manager at practicemanager@gastrosc.com.au
All feedback is taken seriously and handled confidentially.