• St. Christopher's Hospital for Children is committed to providing the best possible care to children/youth in a family-centered environment.
• St. Christopher's respects the rights of infants, children and adolescents, recognizing that they are individuals with unique medical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. The Hospital's goal is to provide user friendly health care systems which are flexible and responsive to these needs.
• St. Christopher's recognizes that parents and guardians, acting on behalf of their children, are valued members of the health care team and need to be informed of the rights and responsibilities of patients.
  

Definitions

Patient: any infant, child, adolescent, or adult receiving inpatient or outpatient medical services at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

Parent or Guardian: any person who with legal authority is acting on behalf of the patient in matters related to the patient's health care needs.

You: patient or parent.

YOUR RIGHTS

As a patient you have the right to:

• appropriate medical care without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, handicapped condition, source of payment, or ability to pay.
• be informed of your rights, and hospital rules and regulations at the earliest possible period of your hospitalization.
• considerate, respectful care provided by competent personnel at all times and under all circumstances.
• care which considers your unique medical, social, emotional and spiritual needs and which recognizes and respects your culture. The care of the dying patient will focus on comfort and dignity of the patient through effective pain management, sensitivity to desires of the patient and family, and care of emotional and spiritual concerns.
• respect for your privacy.
• have all communication and records related to your care managed with confidentiality and respect.
• emergency procedures which are carried out as quickly as possible.

As a patient and/or parent/guardian acting on behalf of the patient, you have the right to:

• know who the doctors, nurses and other staff members taking care of you are.
• know the professional status of staff serving you.
• be informed of the diagnosis, treatment plan and prognosis of your illness in language that is easy to understand.
• know the reason why various tests, treatments and procedures are recommended and who will provide them.
• know what risks are involved in any treatment or procedure that is recommended.
• refuse any drug, treatment or procedure and be informed by the doctor of the possible consequences of your refusal.
• make known your desires regarding treatment or to identify the person you would like to act on your behalf should you become unable to speak for yourself ("advance directive").
• request and obtain a consultation or second opinion from another doctor at your own expense.
• know that, except in the case of emergency, doctors will obtain consent before the start of any treatment or procedure.
• decide whether or not to take part in any medical research program when considered by your doctor; you may also withdraw from that research project without fear that your care will be affected.
• participate in ethical issues that may arise in the course of your care, and consult with the Hospital Ethics Committee if you desire.
• speak openly about any question, concern or complaint which you feel has not been addressed to your satisfaction, by talking directly with a representative from the office of Family and Patient Relations.
• expect tests and procedures to be done in a timely manner with the highest level of care and sensitivity.
• expect someone to assist with interpreting your medical needs and treatment if you do not speak English or if you are deaf.
• obtain access to information contained in your medical record.
• have the hospital explain your bill, if you request.
• obtain information and assistance on what financial resources are available to assist with hospital bills.
• protective services. These services may include protective intervention, correcting hazardous living conditions or situations in which you are unable to care for yourself, and investigating evidence of neglect, abuse, or exploitation. Your doctor, nurse, or social worker will assist you in obtaining these services.
  

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

In turn, patients and/or parents/guardians acting on their behalf, have the responsibility to:

• provide doctors and hospital staff with all the necessary information related to your condition.
• work with the health care team and follow the recommended plan of care.
• accept consequences which result from refusing any treatment or from not following the instructions of your doctors and hospital staff.
• notify your doctor or nurse if you do not understand something about your diagnosis, treatment or prognosis.
• make sure your hospital bill is paid as soon as possible.
• know and follow hospital guidelines and rules such as visiting policy, smoking policy, and other guidelines which may be found in the Patient Handbook.
• be considerate of the rights of other families, patients and hospital personnel.
• use hospital property in a careful manner.
• protect your valuables and personal items because the hospital does not assume responsibility for such items.
• express all your concerns and questions with the hospital staff to resolve any issues as soon as possible.

SCHC values open communication with patients and families. The Family and Patient Relations staff is available weekdays to assist with any questions or concerns regarding the above listed rights and responsibilities. Call 215 427-5163. Evenings and weekends you may call the nursing supervisor through the hospital operator (dial "0" within the hospital).