Equality and Human Rights Commission

Regardless of why you are using health or social care services, or whether or not you have a disability, you should always be treated as an individual when receiving treatment. Health and social care providers should always talk directly to you, as the patient, unless you have asked them to communicate with an advocate or nominated person who is also present. They should use clear, simple language without patronising you.

The Human Rights Act gives you the right to freedom of thought, conscience  and religion, and the right to respect for private and family life. For example, it may be unlawful for public authorities, such as hospitals, to stop you practising your religion – publicly or privately – including observing dietary requirements. The Act also protects beliefs other than religion, such as veganism or pacifism.  Note, however, that this is a qualified right rather than an absolute right.

Find out more about your human rights in a health and social care context.

Example

A hospital had a mixed ward and promised to re-order it so that men were at one end, with women at the other. It did not do this, and an Orthodox Jewish woman was highly distressed about sharing a ward with men. This kind of situation could be a breach of the human right to respect for private life. It may also be discrimination in the provision of services on grounds of religion and belief.