1. Everyone is free to choose the healthcare establishment that will care for them, within the limits of each establishment's possibilities. The public hospital service is accessible to all, in particular to the underprivileged and, in emergencies, to people without social security cover. It is adapted to disabled people.

2. Hospital establishments guarantee the quality of reception, treatment and care. They pay particular attention to pain relief and do their utmost to ensure that everyone lives a dignified life, with special attention to the end of life.

3. Information given to patients must be accessible and fair. Hospitalised patients participate in the therapeutic choices that concern them. They may be assisted by a support person of their choice.

4. Medical procedures may only be carried out with the free and informed consent of the patient. The patient has the right to refuse any treatment. Any person of legal age may express their wishes regarding the end of their life in advance directives.

5. Specific consent is required, in particular, for persons taking part in biomedical research, for the donation and use of elements and products of the human body and for screening procedures.

6. A person who is offered the opportunity to participate in biomedical research shall be informed, in particular, of the expected benefits and foreseeable risks. Their agreement must be given in writing. Refusal to participate will not affect the quality of care received.

7. The hospitalised patient may, with the exceptions provided for by law, leave the establishment at any time after having been informed of the possible risks to which he/she is exposed.

8. Hospitalised patients are treated with consideration. Their beliefs are respected. Their privacy and tranquillity are preserved.

9. All patients are guaranteed respect for their privacy and the confidentiality of personal, administrative, medical and social information concerning them.

10. Hospitalised patients (or their legal representatives) have direct access to health information concerning them. Under certain conditions, their beneficiaries in the event of their death benefit from the same right.

11. Hospitalised patients may comment on the care and reception they have received. In each establishment, a commission for relations with users and the quality of care ensures, in particular, that users' rights are respected. Every person has the right to be heard by a manager of the establishment to express their grievances and to seek compensation for any harm they feel they have suffered, as part of an out-of-court dispute settlement procedure and/or before the courts.

Circular n°dhos/e1/dgs/sd1b/sd1c/sd4a/2006/90 of 2 March 2006 relating to the rights of hospitalised patients and including a charter for hospitalised patients. The full hospitalised patient charter is available on the website: www.sante.gouv.fr