Your Child's Hospital Stay
PATIENT RIGHTS
We strongly believe that patients, and their parents or guardians, have the right to take an active role in their own healthcare. Information about patient rights is posted in the Emergency Department, in the admitting areas, and in the hospital café. The entire staff of Children’s takes responsibility for protecting the personal rights and dignity of our patients and their families. These rights include:
• Access to medical care
• Visits from family and friends
• The services of a medical interpreter when needed
• Active participation in medical decisions
• Access to specialists
• Knowing the name and status of all medical personnel
• Information regarding the plan of care
• Personal safety and security
• Spiritual and cultural needs assessment
• Advanced directive information
• Access to the Ethics Committee
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Treatment with respect and dignity
• Access to itemized charges
• Access to the complaint procedure
• Reasonable response from the hospital to requests
• Full explanation of the necessity for transfer from the hospital
• Continuity of care after transfer from the hospital
Confidentiality and Privacy
We respect and protect the privacy of our patients and their families. We will not share information about your child with other families.
The Ethics Committee
When the family of a very ill child is faced with hard choices about appropriate care, the Ethics Committee can help the family reflect on the next step to take. Family members or medical team members may ask for a confidential consultation with this committee. Help from the hospital chaplain and from Social Services is available for additional support.
Coping With Pain
Relieving pain is essential to healing. At Children’s Hospital, pain management is a very important part of patient care. An individual pain management plan is made for every patient.
Your child will be kept comfortable so their energy can be focused on getting better. The nursing units have information about how we manage pain for your child, what you can do to help, and about your rights and responsibilities.
You’ll find more information about pain management in the Family Resource & Information Center, located on the second floor across from the Friendly Café.
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