Young People in Hospital

If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you have legal authority over your own health and can make your own decisions about it. Helsenorge gives you access to all services available to adults (over 18). You can find more information on the page below.

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Did you know that you have special rights when you are admitted to hospital?

You have the same rights to treatment as everyone else in hospital. In addition, you have special rights because you are under 18.

Your rights:

• You have the right to have at least one of your parents with you while you are in hospital.
• You have the right to visitors whenever you want, unless you are so ill that your doctors believe you cannot have visitors.
• Both you and your parents have the right to information about your condition.
• You have the right to receive education while you are in hospital, so you can keep up with school.
• You have the right to receive information about your illness and treatment in a language you can understand.

Confidentiality

Healthcare professionals are bound by confidentiality. This means they must not pass on to anyone else what you have told them.

However, your parents may be entitled to information if the doctor believes they need it to take care of you. This applies until you turn 18.

12 years old

From the age of 12, you should receive the same information as your parents about your illness, treatment and similar matters. Doctors, psychologists and others involved in your healthcare should ask your opinion about your health and the treatment you receive.

Your views should be taken into account as much as possible regarding what treatment you can receive, when you want examinations or treatment, and who should be with you in hospital. Healthcare professionals must not give your parents confidential information about you if you strongly object and they find that your reasons should be respected.

16 years old

You have legal authority over your own health and the right to make your own decisions about matters concerning it. Healthcare professionals must give you information tailored to you so that you understand it and can make informed choices.

18 years old

You make your own decisions about everything, and healthcare can only be provided with your consent. Some decisions can be difficult. It may still be a good idea to involve your parents, friends or partner in the decision.

Read more about your rights and confidentiality in this PDF:

My rights - healthcare rights for young people

We would like to speak with you alone from around the age of 12. This is voluntary, but we recommend that you practise talking to healthcare professionals on your own.

We often do this by having you come in alone at the beginning of the conversation. Your parents join us after a while, and then we talk with them about what we have discussed.

We are bound by confidentiality, but until you have legal authority over your own health, your parents are entitled to information. However, there are things we do not need to tell your parents, even if you are under 16. Let us know if there is anything you do not want your parents to be told.

Some things may be so serious that your parents need the information to take good care of you. We have to tell your parents about these things, but you will be involved in finding a good way to do so. Parents are often important supporters for young people.

Having a chronic illness can affect your sexual health.

The Sex That Works project aims to increase knowledge about sexual health among young people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. It may be useful for you if you are young and curious about what services are available to you.

Most young people with a chronic illness will need follow-up from their GP or hospital for the rest of their lives. At the paediatric and adolescent departments at Sørlandet Hospital, we follow you as a young person until the year you turn 18.