We are bound by Dutch laws and regulations about healthcare. These laws and regulations give you certain rights as a patient. Of course there are also rules for you.
Your rights as a patient
The most important rights for patients are kept in the Law on Medical Treatment Agreement (WGBO). This law regulates the relationship between the patient and the doctors and/or nurses.
Medical practitioners are obliged to inform you about your illness, the possible research and/or treatment. This means that you receive information about:
- the proposed research and/or the proposed treatment
- other possible methods of treatment
- the possible risks and side effects of the research and/or treatment
- the prospects of the proposed research and/or treatment
Your consent
Your treatment and/or research may only start when you give your permission. You may also refuse the proposed treatment or withdraw your 'consent'. In case of a risky treatment your doctor will specifically ask for your permission. Otherwise, your doctor will assume that you consent to the examination and / or treatment.
Exceptions to inform
Your caregiver may waive the obligation to provide information if he suspects serious adverse consequences for you. You are also entitled to not hear the information about your illness or condition. When you let this know, your caregiver is required to meet your request. There are different rules for minors. For example, caregivers can start treating children in an acute situation without the consent of the representatives. Please visit a special website for more information about the rules for consent concerning children: www.jadokterneedokter.nl.
Your right to privacy
When your receive treatment and/or research in our hospital, doctors and nurses get access to your personal and medical records. They are bound by confidentiality. The processing and protection of your data is in accordance with the Data Protection Act (WBP).
Your right to privacy means that only hospital staff directly involved in your treatment may access your records, unless you have given consent to third parties.
Second opinion
Your caregiver determines a diagnosis and/or proposes a research or treatment. You can always consult another medical professional for his opinion about the diagnosis or proposed treatment. This means that you ask for a second opinion. Make this wish always known to your doctor.
What is a declaration of intent?
You can refuse to undergo certain medical procedures. You have to put this on paper in a so called statement. In this statement you make clear under which circumstances you want certain actions. The statement is intended for the period of time when you no longer can decide yourself.
Generally, your caregiver meets your requests. However, a caregiver is not obliged to perform the request. We recommend that you regularly review your statement.