Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals in Health and Social Care – GCSE Health and Social Care CCEA Revision

Individual Rights

Every person receiving health and social care has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. This includes being given a private space when needed, experiencing non-discriminatory treatment, and having their choices respected.
Individuals in health and social care have the right to informed consent. This means they should understand any proposed treatment, including the benefits, risks and any alternatives before agreeing to it.
Everybody has a right to confidentiality when it comes to their medical information. Their personal information should only be disclosed with their permission, unless there is a legal requirement or serious safety concern.
Service users have the right to express their views, participate in decision-making processes about their care and make complaints about their care without fear of retribution.
Individuals have the right to safety and protection from harm. This includes both physical safety (being protected from accidents or injuries) and emotional safety (being protected from abuse or discrimination).

Service users have a responsibility to provide accurate and full information about their health, including medical history, current condition and any changes in their health.
Individuals have a responsibility to follow the agreed plan of care as best they can. This means taking medication as prescribed, keeping appointments and following other advice from health or social care professionals.
They have a responsibility to express their views, needs and wishes honestly and clearly to the health and social care professionals looking after them. If something isn’t working for them, they should say so.
Service users also have the responsibility to treat healthcare staff with respect. This includes obeying health and safety rules, and avoiding violent or abusive behaviour.

The balance between rights and responsibilities helps to ensure that both the service user and the service provider are respected and valued during the care process.
It also promotes a safe environment for everyone involved in health and social care, and ensures that quality care is delivered according to professional standards and ethical principles.
Upholding these rights and responsibilities can also help to build trust and positive relationships between service users and health care providers, ultimately leading to a better health and social care experience for all parties involved.