Patient Rights

Patient rights have been laid down in the Act on the Status and Rights of Patients. The entire health care is governed by the act. Also health care services in social welfare institutions are covered by the provisions. They include, for example, health care and medical care such as medication, services of a physician and a nurse and laboratory tests performed as a part of the housing services for old people and for the disabled. In accordance with the provisions of the Patient Injuries Act, all health care units must have a patient insurance policy covering personal injuries. The patient insurance covers personal injuries occurring in connection with health care activities according to prelisted criteria. Patient insurances are handled by the Patient Insurance Centre.

Patient Ombudsman

•  assists and guides in matters relating to legislation relating to patients
•  informs patients of their rights
•  gives guidance and, if necessary, assists the patient to file an objection or a notice of injury
•  promotes patient rights and their enforcement also otherwise

The patient Ombudsman does not speak out regarding medical treatment decisions or take a stand as to whether or not a medical injury took place in the treatment of the patient.

You can reach the patient ombudsman by phone from Monday to Thursday at 9-11:30 am. If the patient ombudsman is busy, you can give your contact information to the answering machine, at telephone times, for a return call.

Objection to the Procedures and Behaviour of the Medical Staff

The patient is entitled to good quality medical care and treatment by the medical staff. A patient or one of the relatives dissatisfied with the medical care or with the behaviour of the medical staff may file a written objection to the head of the medical care unit where the patient was treated.

Before submitting an objection, however, there are other often faster and more effective ways to solve and settle an issue that are worth considering. Open discussion with the person of the medical staff whose behaviour caused dissatisfaction or with his/her superior often help clear potential misunderstandings between the patient and the medical staff.

Patient Injury

Medical treatment and healthcare always involve risks that cannot be completely avoided, even if the best possible treatment is provided. The Finnish Patient Insurance Centre (PVK) handles all personal injuries that occur in connection with healthcare activities in accordance with the Patient Injuries Act.

The patient ombudsman gives advice and, where necessary, assists in submitting an objection, a notice of injury or a claim.

Data Protection

Proper handling of personal data contained in patient documents as provided in law is a part of quality customer service. Customer and patient documents in the social welfare and health care services contain confidential data and should therefore be handled with due care. The aim of the measures pertaining to data protection and information security is to ensure the proper handling of data resulting in improved patient and customer privacy and legal protection of the medical staff.

Changing Health Care Centre

Changing health care centre within your own municipality requires a written notification to the chief physician.

Transferring your health care to a health care centre in another municipality requires a written notification to both the health care centre currently serving you and the health centre of the municipality you have chosen. The responsibility for your health care is transferred to the health care centre of your choice latest within three weeks from receipt of the notification.

Written notifications on change of health care centre:

Chief Physician Pertti Lipponen (or heads of teams)
Kuopion kaupunki
Terveydenhuollon palvelualue
PL 227,
70101 Kuopio