Patient Rights

As a Patient, You Have the Right To:

Safety and Quality of Care 

• Receive considerate, respectful care from your healthcare providers, free from discrimination.
• Receive care in a clean and safe environment.
• Have your privacy respected during personal care and your personal health information kept confidential.
• Have your spiritual, cultural, and religious needs acknowledged and supported, including access to Spiritual Care services if desired.

Communication

• Know the members of your healthcare team, including their names and roles.
• Receive information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and plan of care in a way that is understandable to you.
• Request language interpretation services when needed.
• Participate in decisions about your care, treatment, discharge planning, and placement options.
• Identify family members, caregivers, care partners, or substitute decision-makers who may be involved in your care.
• Have a person with Power of Attorney or another legally authorized decision-maker speak on your behalf if you are unable to make your own decisions.

Choice and Participation

• Ask questions and be involved in decisions regarding your care.
• Accept or refuse treatment, as permitted by law.
• Access or request a copy of your health record, subject to applicable legislation.
• Share compliments, concerns, or suggestions about your care and experience.

As a Patient, You Have a Responsibility  To:

Safety and Quality of Care

• Treat healthcare providers, staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of other patients, staff, and visitors in the hospital.
• Keep track and look after your own property and valuables.
• Report any safety concerns to a member of your healthcare team.
• Understand that the needs of other patients may sometimes require more immediate attention.
• Participate in safety measures such as handwashing, falls prevention, medication safety, and public health requirements.

Communication

• Ask if you do not know who someone on your care team is or what their role is.
• Ask questions if you do not understand information about your care or treatment.
• Let your healthcare team know if you require accessibility supports, interpretation services, or a support person.
• Participate in your care and treatment plan to the best of your ability.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history.
• Understand that not all requested treatments may be medically appropriate or available.

Choice and Participation

• Provide information about your substitute decision-maker or Power of Attorney if one has been appointed.
• Share relevant documents with your healthcare team to support care planning and decision-making if you become unable to communicate your wishes.