Annex A > Chapter 17 - Communication Between Healthcare Professionals and Patients > Guidance from professional and related bodies > The `Patient's Charter'

The `Patient's Charter'

42 The `Patient's Charter' was introduced in 1992. The fifth right under the Charter entitled a patient to be given a clear explanation of any proposed treatment and any associated risk, and any alternative methods of treatment, before agreement on treatment is reached. To comply with this right the UBHT stated:

`Clinicians take great care to give explanations in all circumstances to the patient or a person having responsibility for the patient such as a parent. Furthermore some nursing "standards" include a requirement that a nurse also gives explanations. An example is in the Cardiac Surgery Unit where a trained nurse carries out a
pre-operation talk to the patient and family and a visit is made to the Intensive Therapy Unit.' [58]

43 In the note of a meeting of the Patient Care Advisory Group of the UBHT, held on Monday 13 January 1992, it was recorded that:

`Dr Roylance explained that it was not always appropriate or possible to give patients a clear explanation of proposed treatment. It was agreed that the advice of the Medical Director would be sought on the most suitable method of obtaining patients'consent to treatment.' [59]

<< previous | next >> | back to top

Footnotes

[58] UBHT 0018 0345; the `Patient's Charter', Patients Standard Care Committee Mar 1992-Sept 1993

[59] UBHT 0022 0343; note of meeting of Patient Care Advisory Group, UBHT, 13 January 1992