Landspitali - University Hospital
Staying in hospital
Patient rights
Patients admitted to hospital are guaranteed certain rights according to the law. The goal is to strengthen the status of those who need healthcare and to increase trust between them and healthcare professionals.
Key points:
There should be no discrimination based on gender, religion, beliefs, nationality, race or other circumstances.
Everybody who needs it has the right to the best service available at any time.
Patients are entitled to information on:
Health, his condition and prognosis.
Treatment, its progress, risks and benefits.
Other treatment options and consequences of doing nothing.
Possibility to obtain another expert opinion.
The right to decide whether to receive treatment or not.
That healthcare professionals are bound to a confidentiality obligation regarding patient information, including after their death.
That healthcare professionals should treat them with respect.
Waiting times and physicians should explain the waiting time or the expected waiting time after treatment.
That patients are responsible for their own health as the situation allows and need to participate in their treatment.
Explanation and that the conditions of patients are examined and appropriate services are guaranteed at home after discharge.
Right of patients dying to die with dignity and to refuse life-enhancing treatment.
That every effort should be made to ensure that the sick children develop and enjoy quality of life.
How they can make comments to the institution's senior management.
Laws and regulations
The law aims to ensure status, safety, respect and communication with patients.