Retreat Hospital respects your values and dignity. Whenever you receive services at this hospital, you will be informed of your rights and responsibilities.

Patient Rights

1. You have the right to be treated with dignity and given personal privacy, regardless of your race, religion, beliefs, cultural values, sex, age or financial status.
   
2. You have the right to know about your condition and to take part in making decisions about the care that you receive. Family and/or legal guardians will be involved in decisions regarding minors.
   
3. You have the right to know the names of the people taking care of you.
   
4. You have the right to know the cost of your care.
   
5. You have the right to accept or refuse medical care and the right to be told of the medical consequences of refusal.
   
6. You have the right to expect that the hospital will honor your advance directive to the extent permitted by law. You will be cared for whether or not you have an advance directive. You may request information about advance directives. The hospital's Ethics Committee can assist you and your family in thinking about these issues.
   
7. You have the right to expect that your medical information will be kept confidential unless you give permission to release the information or reporting is required or permitted by law.
   
8. You and/or your legal representative have the right to know the information contained in your medical record within the limits of the law.
   
9. You have the right to have your reports of pain believed and to receive care from concerned staff who respond quickly and appropriately to control your pain. You have the right to receive education regarding the treatment and management of your pain.
   
10. You have the right to be informed of any experimental research, educational, or training activities that may be involved in your care. You will be asked to participate in these activities and have the right to refuse.
    
11. You have the right to be assisted in transferring to another healthcare facility if you need a service not provided by this hospital. The need to transfer to another facility will be explained to you; you will not be transferred until the other facility agrees to accept you.
    
12. You have the right to accept pastoral/spiritual counseling from a member of the clergy. The hospital will provide this service or you may request your own clergyman.
    
13. You have the right to be free from restraints of any form that are not medically necessary.
    
14. You have the right to receive care in a safe environment that is free from all forms of abuse, harassment and neglect.
    
15. You have the right to have a family member or representative of your choice or your own physician to be notified promptly upon your admission to the hospital.
    
16. You have the right to state complaints or grievances and to receive a response in a timely manner regarding the kind of care and services you receive here. A complaint or grievance will in no way compromise your care.
    
    If you feel your rights are not being respected, please let our staff know or call the Patient Advocate by dialing "0" within the hospital or (804) 254-5315. You may also contact Virginia's Center for Quality Care Services and Consumer Protection by phone at 1-800-955-1819 or (804) 367-2106. Or, write them at:
    
    3600 West Broad Street
    Suite 216
    Richmond, VA 23230.
    
    Or you may contact the Joint Commission On Accreditation Of Healthcare Organizations at 1-800-994-6610.

Patient Responsibilities

1. You are responsible for providing information about past illness, hospitalizations, medications and other matters related to your health to the professionals taking care of you.
   
2. You are responsible for discussing your pain and pain control issues with your doctor and nurses and for telling them when your pain is not relieved.
   
3. You are responsible for asking for more information when you do not understand information and instructions concerning your care. Please let your doctor know if you are unable to follow the plan of care.
   
4. You are responsible for respecting the rights of other patients and to follow the hospital rules.
   
5. You are responsible for fulfilling your financial obligations by providing necessary insurance information and making payment arrangements with Retreat Hospital, if necessary. If you have a questions about your hospital bill, please ask to have it explained to you.