Patients' Rights
You have certain rights during your stay. You have the right to:
- Be treated with respect and compassion
- Be free from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination
- Receive safe and competent care
- Have your privacy and confidentiality protected
- Have access to your medical record (via Medical Records office)
- Decline certain services or request changes to individuals involved with your care (within reasonable limits)
- Participate in all aspects of your care and make personal choices
- Choose one or more support people (e.g., family) and have them involved in care
- Appeal a decision about your care or file a complaint
- Maintain your cultural practices
- Pursue your spiritual beliefs
- Take part in or refuse to take part in research
If you have any concerns about your care or treatment, please connect with your treatment team.
You may also contact the following:
Rights Adviser: Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (when your legal status changes)
- Phone: 519-495-0184 (Dial 9 + phone number from hospital phone)
Patient Relations Specialist (when you have compliments or complaints about your stay, treatment, or team)
- Phone: 519-685-8500 ext. 58230
Great Moments
- You can submit a Great Moments message online through our LHSC website to recognize an individual staff member or team who has gone the extra mile to provide outstanding care.
You can access your medical record by contacting Patient Health Information
- Phone: 519-685-8500 ext. 52865.
Patient Responsibilities
Patients are responsible for:
Active Partnering in Care
- Providing accurate information about past illnesses, allergic reactions to medication or food, current health and family health history.
- Providing a comprehensive list of current medications including over-the-counter and complimentary medications such as herbal preparation.
- Participating with the health care team in treatment and rehabilitation.
- Asking questions to clarify information.
- Sharing any concerns about care with the health care team.
- Obtaining information needed for care after discharge from hospital.
- Recognizing the risks and consequences of refusing treatment and/or leaving the hospital against medical advice.
Courtesy and Respect
- Treating others in the hospital with consideration and respect.
- Observing all applicable hospital rules and regulations.
Using Health Care Resources Wisely
- Advising the hospital as early as possible and at least 24 hours in advance if unable to keep an appointment.
- Arranging for discharge when the attending physician decides discharge is appropriate.
Personal Property and Financial Obligations
- All financial obligations incurred in care.
- The safekeeping of personal property, valuables and patients’ own medications while in hospital.
Fair Notice
- There is zero tolerance for violence or threatening behavior.
- Substances (including alcohol and illicit drugs) are not allowed.
