Everyone is free to choose his healthcare establishment, within the limits of each establishment’s availabilities.  The public hospital service is accessible to everybody and in particular to destitute persons and, in case of an emergency, those not covered by social security.  It is adapted to people with physical disabilities.

Healthcare establishments guarantee quality of welcome, treatment and care.  They are attentive to alleviating pain and do all in their power to respect each person’s dignity, with particular attention to the end of life

Information to the patient must be accessible and loyal.  The inpatient participates in the therapeutic choices which concern him.  The person may receive help from a person of confidence freely chosen by him.

A medical act can not be made without the free and enlightened consent of the patient. The latter has the right to refuse any treatment. Any person who is of age may express himself regarding how his last wishes should be respected for the end of his life.

Specific consent is at hand, notably, for those participating in biomedical research, for the donation and use of parts and products of the human body and for screening purposes.

A person to whom participation in biomedical research is proposed is informed, notably on the expected advantages and foreseeable risks.  His agreement is given in writing.  His refusal will have no consequence on the quality of care that he will receive.

The inpatient may, safe exceptions foreseen by law, leave the establishment at any time after having been informed of the possible risks that he may incur.

The inpatient is treated with respect. His beliefs are respected.  His intimacy and tranquillity is preserved.

The respect of privacy is guaranteed to all persons and likewise the confidentiality of personal, administrative, medical and social information concerning the person.

The inpatient (or his legal representatives) benefits from direct access to information concerning his health.  Under certain conditions, his assignees benefit from this same right in the case of death.

The inpatient may express opinions on the care and the welcome he has received.  In each establishment there is a watchdog committee attentive to the relations with users, their rights and the quality of their hospitalisation.  Any patient may avail himself of the right to express his grievances in front of a person of authority in the establishment and request repair of any prejudice he may have endured, in the process of amicable agreement of disputes and/or in front of the law courts.