This publication is a composite of the standards in `Organisational audit (accreditation UK) standards for an acute hospital' which relate directly to the patient and their carers. The `Consumer checklist' has been divided into three main sections: patient's rights and special care needs; inpatient episode; outpatient/day care episode. It aims to track the patient through the hospital from: pre-admission preparation; admission; episode of care or treatment; and discharge. In addition the standards listed cover the care or treatment undertaken on an outpatient or day care basis.