Patient rights and responsibilities
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Saleem Memorial Hospital shall respect and uphold the rights of patients in alignment with their healthcare journey. Patients’ rights must be protected during care and services, and all patients will be informed of their rights and responsibilities in a manner they can comprehend.
2. PURPOSE
2.1 To ensure the protection and respect of patient and family rights at Saleem Memorial Hospital while upholding the hospital’s mission.
2.2 To guide healthcare staff members in respecting and promoting patient and family rights.
2.3 To include the patient’s family in decision-making related to the patient’s care where appropriate.
3. SCOPE
This policy applies to all hospital departments and clinical areas.
4. PROCEDURE
4.1. PATIENT’S RIGHTS
4.1.1 Accessibility to Care
Patients will receive the best possible care regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or financial status, respecting their culture and beliefs. They have the right to a safe and clean environment and access to competent staff.
4.1.2 Guidance
Patients will receive appropriate guidance for seeking help regarding care and treatment at the hospital.
4.1.3 Communication
Patients and families will be informed of their rights in a language they understand, along with details of services, complaint mechanisms, and access to ethics consultations.
4.1.4 Patient Education
Patients and their families will be educated about their illness, and a discharge summary will be provided upon discharge.
4.1.5 Privacy and Confidentiality
Care will respect patients’ privacy, and confidentiality of health information will be maintained according to hospital policies and government regulations.
4.1.6 Involvement in Care
Patients and families will be involved in decisions related to admission, treatment, and discharge, with information on benefits and risks provided.
4.1.7 Informed Consent
Patients or families will provide informed consent for medical procedures, as outlined in hospital policy.
4.1.8 Refusing Treatment
Patients may refuse treatment and seek discharge, but will be informed of medical consequences.
4.1.9 Seeking Second Medical Opinion
Patients can request a second medical opinion from a hospital specialist as per hospital policies.
4.1.10 Transfer
Critical care patients will receive full support for transfers to other facilities, with ICU transfers subject to bed availability.
4.1.11 Participation in Research
Patients have the right to be informed about and refuse participation in research or educational projects without affecting their care quality.
4.1.12 Feedback and Complaints
Patients can provide feedback or file complaints via the QA department, either through email or feedback forms available at counters.
4.2 PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
4.2.1 Responsibilities
Patients and families are responsible for:
- Abiding by hospital rules and regulations.
- Refraining from disruptive behavior.
- Using hospital facilities and equipment with care.
- Following discharge instructions and attending follow-up appointments.
- Respecting the rights of other patients and hospital staff.
- Complying to the hospital’s financial regulations.
4.2.2 Smoking
Smoking is not allowed within the hospital premises, including indoors and outdoors.
4.2.3 Valuables
Patients should avoid bringing valuable personal items to the hospital and the hospital will not be responsible for the loss of any valuables.
4.2.4 Cooperation with Staff
Patients and families must cooperate with staff for assessments, investigations, and treatments.
4.2.5 Misbehaviour
In cases of misbehavior by patients or their families, the hospital reserves the right to refuse admission or continuity of care.