PATIENT RIGHTS
1. The Right to Healthcare Services
The Patient has the right to healthcare services provided with due diligence and in accordance with current medical knowledge. Healthcare professionals must provide services in line with the principles of professional ethics. In cases of risk to health or life, a Patient has the right to receive immediate medical assistance. In the case of childbirth, a Patient has the right to receive immediate healthcare services related to labour and delivery.
The Patient has the right to request that the doctor providing healthcare services seeks the opinion of another doctor or convenes a medical consultation. Such a request must be recorded in the medical records. The doctor may refuse if the request is deemed unfounded. In such an event, the refusal must be recorded in the medical records. The above principles also apply to nurses and midwives.
2. The Right to Information
The Patient has the right to receive clear information from a doctor regarding their state of health. The doctor should inform the Patient about the diagnosis, proposed and possible diagnostic and treatment methods, the foreseeable consequences of applying or omitting such methods, as well as treatment outcomes and prognosis.
If the Patient does not wish to be informed about all or certain facts concerning their health condition, they have the right to request that the doctor withholds such information. The Patient has the right to designate a person or persons to whom the doctor may provide full information about their health condition and treatment.
3. The Right to Give Consent to Healthcare Services
After receiving full information about their health condition and proposed treatment, the Patient has the right to give consent to specific healthcare services or to refuse such consent.
In the case of surgery or the application of a treatment or diagnostic method involving increased risk, consent must be given in writing. In all other situations, consent or refusal may be expressed orally. Without the Patient’s consent, an examination or other healthcare service may only be carried out if the Patient is in a condition posing a threat to their health or life.
4. The Right to Confidentiality of Information
Healthcare professionals are obliged to keep confidential all information concerning the Patient and their health condition obtained in connection with their professional duties. However, the Patient may consent to the disclosure of such information.
Healthcare professionals remain bound by confidentiality even after the Patient’s death. Without the Patient’s consent, a doctor or other healthcare professional may disclose information related to the Patient only where:
5. The Right to Medical Records
The Patient has the right of access to their medical records, i.e. all documents concerning their health condition and healthcare services provided to them. Medical records may be made available:
The healthcare provider is also obliged to make medical records available to a person authorised by the Patient. The healthcare provider may charge a fee for making medical records available.
The fee for access to medical records is variable and calculated on the basis of the average salary for the previous quarter as announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office in the Official Journal of the Republic of Poland “Monitor Polski”, pursuant to Article 20(2) of the Act of 17 December 1998 on Pensions and Disability Pensions from the Social Insurance Fund (Journal of Laws 2016, item 887, as amended), effective from the first day of the month following the month of publication.
6. The Right to Respect for Privacy and Dignity
Healthcare services should be provided with respect for the Patient’s privacy and dignity. The right to dignity also includes the right to die in peace and dignity. A Patient in a terminal condition has the right to healthcare services ensuring pain relief and the alleviation of other suffering.
The Patient has the right to be accompanied by a close person during the provision of healthcare services, e.g. a spouse, a partner, a relative, or any other person designated by the Patient. As a parent, the Patient has the right to be present when healthcare services are provided to their child. Medical staff may refuse the presence of a close person only in the event of a probable epidemic risk or for reasons related to the parent’s health safety. Such refusal must be recorded in the medical records.
7. The Right to Respect for Private and Family Life
While in hospital, the Patient has the right to personal, telephone, or correspondence contact with others. The Patient has the right to additional nursing care, i.e. care not consisting of healthcare services, including care provided to the Patient during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
This right includes, among other things, the possibility of accompanying the Patient during childbirth or allowing parents to stay with their child during hospitalisation. If exercising this right involves costs incurred by the hospital, a compensatory fee may be charged. The amount of such a fee is determined by the manager of the healthcare provider, taking into account the actual costs incurred.
8. The Patient’s Right to Pastoral Care
While in hospital, the Patient has the right to pastoral care. In the event of deterioration in health or threat to life, the hospital is obliged to enable the Patient to contact a minister of their faith.
9. The Right to Report Adverse Reactions to Medicinal Products
The Patient may report any adverse and unintended effect of a medicinal product to:
All information on reporting adverse reactions to medicinal products is available at: www.dzialanianiepozadane.urpl.gov.pl
10. The Right to Object to a Doctor’s Opinion or Medical Certificate
Certain medical opinions or certificates issued by a doctor may affect the Patient’s rights or obligations under applicable law. Examples include a certificate confirming no contraindications for receiving specific health resort treatment services, or a certificate stating contraindications to mandatory preventive vaccination.
If the Patient disagrees with the content of such an opinion or certificate, and no separate appeal procedure is provided for by law, the Patient may lodge an objection with the Medical Commission operating under the Patient Ombudsman. The objection must be submitted within 30 days from the date the opinion or certificate was issued by the doctor assessing the Patient’s health condition. Practical information and an example catalogue of opinions or certificates which may be contested can be found on the website of the Patient Ombudsman at www.bpp.gov.pl under the section: “Patient – you have the right to object to a doctor’s opinion or certificate”.
11. The Right to Deposit Valuables
The hospital is obliged to provide the Patient with the possibility of depositing valuables free of charge.
In any situation where you believe that your rights are not being properly respected, please contact the Patient Ombudsman via the nationwide free helpline at 800 190 590.
Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.