Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

We believe that our patients and families are partners in the delivery of quality patient care.

In order for us to provide that level of care, we recognize that patients have certain rights, but also responsibilities. We look forward to working with you to make your experience with Norfolk General Hospital and its staff mutually beneficial.

Patient Rights:

We believe that our patients and families are partners in the delivery of quality patient care.
You have the right to be treated in a respectful manner, where your uniqueness is valued and consideration is given to you as a whole person.
You have the right to the privacy and confidentiality of your health information.
You have the right to receive relevant information and education concerning your condition, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in a manner that you understand.
You have the right to make decisions about your plan of care prior to and at anytime during the course of treatment.
You have the right to a clean, comfortable, safe and secure environment.
You have the right to be informed of any expenses that will be incurred by you during your hospitalization.
You have the right to express your comments and to receive a response to your questions.
You have the right to know who your care providers are and who the physician in charge of your treatment is.
You have the right to refuse treatment in accordance with the law and to be informed of the health risks and benefits of this decision.
Visiting guidelines have been developed to strike the right balance between visiting and the healing process. We thank you in advance foryour appreciation of our need to preserve all patients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality.

Patient Responsibilities:

To provide accurate and complete information about your health to your hospital team members to help them care for you.
To participate cooperatively in the mutually agreed upon plan of care to the best of your ability.
To assist in the provision of your care by identifying one spokesperson with whom the team can communicate. This may be required in the event you become incapable.
To tell the care providers if there is a change in your condition or if concerns arise during your hospital stay.
To accept responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment or medical advice
To be courteous and respectful of other patients, visitors and all members of the hospital team.
To recognize that the needs of other patients may sometimes be more urgent than your own.
To recognize that providers need not provide any treatment that they consider being medically or ethically inappropriate.
To respect hospital property and comply with hospital regulations and policies.
To make arrangements for discharge when the physician determines that discharge is appropriate or accept an alternate level of care if this route is deemed appropriate.
To be responsible for all expenses not covered by OHIP or private insurance during your hospitalization.
To ask your provider if they have washed their hands.
To recognize that personal belongings are the responsibility of the patient and/or family. Please ensure all personal belongings are labeled and identified.