Health records are confidential documents, and information regarding your health and health care should not be disclosed without your permission. You can always ask who has access to your files.

There is an exception in legal matters where health records containing information relevant to a court case and files can be subpoenaed (they must be provided to the court). You should, however, have knowledge and support during this process if it were ever to occur.

You can play an active role in deciding what information is recorded in your health records. If you'd like to know how your personal and health information is recorded, it's probably a good idea to discuss this early on. Decide whether you would like your sexual orientation and partner/s details recorded and who you would like to have contacted in case of emergency.

Sometimes it can be hard to make these decisions on the spot, so take some time to think it through and discuss it with those who you will list as next of kin. NSW Health Department policy states that same sex partners will be offered the same visiting rights as other couples in a public hospital setting.

Under the NSW Freedom of Information Act (1989), everyone has the right to see their own health files and you can apply to have access. If information in your file is incomplete, inaccurate or out of date, you can apply to have this rectified.

Remember, you are always entitled to seek a second opinion or more if you feel it is necessary. Take some time to make decisions before proceeding with treatment or intervention. You can stop a consultation or interaction at any time if you are unhappy or uncomfortable. You can seek services elsewhere, make a complaint or give a compliment. If you're nervous, take a friend along for support.