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Youth Rights

Find out what your rights are in regards to consent, confidentiality and the healthcare system.


Consent
 Consenting to treatment is the same as giving your doctor permission to treat you. Doctors aren't allowed to examine or treat you without your consent. 
The age when children begin to give their own consent varies, it is not measured in years.  You are able to give your own consent when you are able to fully understand your choices and their consequences.  Until then, your parent or guardian will make these decisions on your behalf. 
If you have more questions about consent, talk to your health care provider. 

Confidentiality
If you visit the Youth Health Clinic, your information will be kept private.  No one will share your information without your knowledge and permission.  The only time this changes is if you are clearly at risk of hurting yourself or someone else at which point we would involve the necessary people to keep you safe. 

Taking Part in your Healthcare
Here are some questions you might want to ask your nurse or doctor, to help you with your healthcare decisions:

  • Why do I need to have this test/treatment?
  • What happens during this test/treatment?
  • If I have the treatment, how much better will I be?  What is the worst thing that could happen?
  • Are there other treatment options?
  • What could happen if I choose to do nothing for the time being?
  • What are the most common things that could go wrong?
  • Who will do this procedure? What experience does he/she have?
  • What things can go wrong during the anesthesia?
  • What care will I need after this procedure in the short and long term? How will I get this care?
  • How can I expect to feel after this procedure?  Will there be any changes to my daily life?

Other tips:

  • Repeat back information to make sure you understand correctly.
  • Make notes so you can go over things later with your friends or family.
  • If you have concerns, write them down so you don't forget to ask about them.

Take a minute to review the Consent to Treatment handbook so you are prepared before coming to the hospital.


Your Healthcare Rights

  • I have the right to live and to have my pain and suffering treated, regardless of my age, gender or income. I have the right to be viewed first as a child, then as a patient.
  • I have the right to be treated as a unique individual with my own abilities, culture and language.
  • I have the right to be afraid and to cry when I feel hurt.
  • I have the right to be safe in an environment that is unfamiliar to me.
  • I have the right to ask questions and receive answers that I can understand.
  • I have the right to be cared for by people who perceive and meet my needs ven though I may be unable to explain what they are.
  • I have the right to speak for myself when I am able and to have someone speak on my behalf when I am unable.
  • I have the right to have those dear to me close by when I need them.
  • I have the right to play and learn even if I am receiving care.
  • I have the need to have my rights fulfilled.


Last updated March 2010