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Our Lady of the Angels Health Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Speak up if you have questions or concerns. All patients have the following responsibilities:

  • To know and follow hospital rules and regulations.
  • To give cooperation and to follow the care or treatment prescribed or recommended for you by your physician, nurse or other healthcare professionals. You must realize that you are responsible for the results of your actions if you refuse such care or treatment.
  • To notify your physician or nurse if you do not understand your diagnosis, treatment or prognosis. Ask questions about any instructions if you do not understand.
  • Tell your doctor and nurse about the medicines that you take, including over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and dietary supplements like vitamins, diet pills and herbals.
  • To report to your physician or nurse any unexpected changes in your condition.
  • To let the nurse and your family know if you feel you are receiving too many outside visitors.
  • To respect the privacy of other hospitalized patients.
  • To accept financial obligations associated with your care.
  • To advise your nurse or physician of any dissatisfaction you may have in regard to your care at the hospital.
  • To be considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, to assist in the control of noise, and to follow the hospital's no smoking policy, visitor policy and other policies.

The ‘Speak Up’ Program

Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe just like any healthcare team member. Healthcare organizations across the country are working to make healthcare safety a priority. You, as the patient, can also play a vital role in making your care safe by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your healthcare team.

An Institute of Medicine (IOM) report has identified the occurrence of medical errors as a serious problem in the healthcare system. The IOM recommends, among other things, that a concerted effort be made to improve the public's awareness of the problem.

The "Speak Up" program, sponsored by The Joint Commission, urges patients to get involved in their care. Such efforts to increase consumer awareness and involvement are supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This initiative provides simple advice on how you, as the patient, can make your care a positive experience. After all, research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their healthcare are more likely to have better outcomes.

To help prevent healthcare errors, patients are urged to "Speak Up."

Ask to speak with others who have undergone the procedure you are considering. These individuals can help you prepare for the days and weeks ahead. They also can tell you what to expect and what worked best for them as they recovered.