In Canada, health care is a right, not a privilege. When you enter a hospital, you are protected by federal principles and provincial laws designed to ensure you receive safe, respectful, and high-quality care.
Understanding these rights is the first step toward effective advocacy. If any of the following rights are violated, we encourage you to document your experience here.
1. The Right to Informed Consent
You have the right to be a full partner in your medical decisions. No treatment, procedure, or test should be performed on you without your “Informed Consent.”
- What it means: Your doctor must explain the benefits, the risks, the alternatives (including doing nothing), and the likely outcome in a language you understand.
- Your Power: You have the right to say “No” to any treatment at any time, even if the doctor recommends it.
2. The Right to Respect and Dignity
Every patient has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of their background, identity, or medical condition.
- Red Flag: Feeling ignored, belittled, or experiencing discrimination based on age, race, gender, or disability.
- Standard of Care: You have the right to a safe environment, free from mental, physical, or financial abuse.
3. The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Your medical information belongs to you. Hospitals are legally required to keep your records secure.
- Access: You have the right to see and request a copy of your medical records.
- Privacy: You have the right to have conversations with your medical team in a private setting.
4. The Right to a Second Opinion
If you are unsure about a diagnosis or a proposed surgery, you are entitled to seek the opinion of another qualified physician.
- Advocacy Tip: You do not need “permission” from your current doctor to seek a second opinion, though they often provide the referral.
5. The Right to Continuity of Care
You have the right to expect that your healthcare team will communicate with each other so that your treatment is consistent and safe.
- The Hand-off: This is especially important during shift changes or when moving from the ER to an inpatient ward.
6. The Right to Raise a Concern (Without Retaliation)
You have the right to complain about your care without fear that it will affect your future treatment.
- Protection: Hospitals are prohibited from “punishing” patients or families for raising legitimate safety or quality concerns.