While you are a patient at Sinai Hospital, you have the right to:

• Receive considerate and respectful care.
• Know the names and roles of those who are caring for you.
• Be well informed about your illness, possible treatments and likely outcome; and discuss the information with your doctor.
• Consent to, or refuse, any treatment, as permitted by law. If you refuse a recommended treatment, you will receive other needed and available care.
• Have an advance directive such as a living will or health care proxy.
• Privacy: The hospital, your doctor and others caring for you will preserve your privacy as much as possible.
• Expect that treatment records are confidential unless you have given permission to release information or unless reporting is required or permitted by law. When the hospital releases records to others, it emphasizes that records are confidential
• Review your medical records and have the information explained, except when restricted by law.
• Expect that the hospital will give you necessary services to the best of its ability. Treatment, referral or transfer to another health care facility may be recommended. If transfer is recommended or requested, you will be informed of the risks, benefits and alternatives.
• Know if Sinai Hospital has relationships with outside parties that could influence your treatment and care. These relationships might be with educational institutions, other health care providers or insurers.
• Consent or decline to take part in research affecting your care. If you choose not to take part, you will receive the most effective care the hospital otherwise provides.
• Be advised of realistic alternatives when hospital care is no longer appropriate.
• Be advised of hospital rules that affect you and your treatment and about changes and payment options.
• Be told about hospital resources that can help you resolve problems and questions about your stay and care.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your doctor or nursing staff.

Your responsibilities as a patient:

Sinai Hospital regards each patient as a partner in his or her health care. When you are well informed, participate in treatment choices and communicate openly with your caregivers, you help make your care as effective as possible. The patient-caregiver partnership we practice means that you have certain responsibilities as a patient. The extent to which you fulfill those responsibilities can have a positive affect on the outcome of your recovery. Your responsibilities include:

• Providing information about your health, including past illnesses, hospital stays and use of medications.
• Asking questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment, you are responsible for telling your doctor.
• Being considerate of the needs of other patients and hospital staff.
• Providing information about your insurance coverage and working with the hospital to arrange payment, when needed.
• Recognizing the affect of lifestyle on your personal health. Your health depends not on your hospital care alone, but on the long-term decisions you make in your daily life.

Feedback

If you have a concern or problem with any aspect of your care, please inform your nurse. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Guest Relations department at extension 24488. If you have a question or concern during evening or weekend hours, please contact the hospital operations coordinator at extension 21652.