Patient Safety Information

Patient Rights

Patients have the right to

• The right to be treated with respect,compassion, consideration, and dignity without discrimination
• The right to receive medical advice and treatment that fully meets the currentlyaccepted standards of care and quality
• The right to breastfeed in all areas of the hospital
• The right to receive information about your medical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis that is clear and easy to understand
• The right to participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital
• The right to accept or refuse any medication or treatment, and to be informed of the likely consequences of doing so
• The right to know the names and roles of the members of your healthcare team
• The right to make a complaint through channels provided for this purpose by the hospital authority, and to have any complaint dealt with promptly and fairly
• The right to privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care

You can also contact the appropriate manager or Director, Quality Initiatives and Patient Experience. See our process here.

Patient Responsibilities

Patients and/or their representatives have the responsibility to

• The responsibility to request further information concerning anything not fully understood
• The responsibility to provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, allergies, hospitalization, medication and other matters relating to your health
• The responsibility to follow the treatment plan, as outlined by your health care practitioner, including the instructions of nurses and health personnel carrying out your co-ordinated plan of care
• The responsibility to be accountable for your actions if you deliberately refuse treatment or do not follow practitioner’s instructions
• The responsibility to keep appointments, and when unable to do so, to notify the hospital with sufficient time to reschedule
• The responsibility to follow hospital rules and regulations regarding patient care and conduct
• The responsibility to assist in the control of noise and number of visitors
• The responsibility to discourage friends and family from visiting if they are sick or have been exposed to a communicable disease
• The responsibility to be respectful of the rights and property of other patients, visitors and staff of the hospital
• The responsibility to refrain from using inappropriate language or uttering threats that may be perceived as disrespectful or suggestive of violence.

Patient Safety Tips

Fall Prevention

In the Emergency Department and/or on admission to CCH, all patients are assessed for Fall Risk. If you aren’t sure if you are at high risk for falling, ask your health care provider. We are here to help and we want you to be safe while in our care.

Here is a list of resources to help keep you safe at home:

http://www.eohu.ca/healthyaging/index.php

http://www.champlainhealthline.ca/

http://www.rgpeo.com/en.aspx

Patient Relations

Cornwall Community Hospital has a patient relations delegate who is a part of the Quality and Risk Department. Whether you have a complaint, a suggestion or a compliment, we would like to hear your feedback!

What To Do If You Have A Concern

As a first step, you may wish to speak with your care providers directly, or take the matter up with the manager of the unit or the attending physician. If you don’t feel satisfied after this, please feel free to contact the Patient Relations office for help.

When To Contact Us

• When you want to give us your ideas or suggestions
• When you have compliments or concerns about services or interactions with CCH staff or physicians.

What We Can Do For You and Your Family

• Listen and be supportive
• Explain how things work and what you can expect from the hospital and the doctors
• Help everyone communicate better with each other – your family members, our staff and our doctors
• Respond to your concerns and help to sort out issues and problems
• Work with you and members of your health care team to help you decide your options
• Ensure your feedback is shared with your health care team

What Comes From Our Discussions With You

The issues you bring to our attention don’t get “filed away” – we work with physicians and senior members of management in order to improve your experience at CCH. We’ll work towards change wherever possible and reasonable. Our goal is to improve safety and quality of care.

Contact information