Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Health Services Act 1988 - SECT 10

Principles applying to hostels, nursing homes and supported residential services

10. Principles applying to hostels, nursing homes and supported residential
services

It is the intention of the Parliament that the following principles be given
effect in the administration of this Act with respect to residents in
supported residential services-

   (a)  residents are entitled to high quality health care and personal care,
        to their choice of registered medical practitioner or other provider
        of health services and to an informed choice of appropriate treatment;

   (b)  residents should be provided with a sufficient level of nutrition,
        warmth, clothing and shelter in a home-like environment;

   (c)  services should be provided in a safe environment and the residents'
        right to choose to participate in activities involving a degree of
        risk should be recognised;



   (d)  residents should be treated with dignity and respect and are entitled
        to privacy;

   (e)  residents should be provided with and be encouraged to participate in
        activities appropriate to their interests and needs and to physical
        and social rehabilitation;

   (f)  residents are entitled to social independence including the right to
        choose and pursue friendships and relationships with members of either
        sex, to practise religion and cultural customs and to exercise rights
        as citizens;

   (g)  residents are entitled to the right to manage their own finances
        wherever possible;

   (h)  residents are entitled to freedom of choice to the extent that it does
        not unreasonably infringe the rights of others and the freedom to
        comment about the provision of health services.