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We Value Our Patients

The Richland Hospital and Clinics supports and recognizes patient rights to treatment and services. The care and staff interaction with all patients will reflect concern and respect for patient rights.

Patient rights include:

  • Reasonable access to care
  • Considerate care within the scope of our mission respecting each patient’s personal values and beliefs
  • The patient’s informed participation in decisions is also respected regarding his or her care, including:
    • The availability of interpreter services or American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
    • Access to adaptive equipment including TDD and aides for the visually and hearing impaired
    • Complete information on your condition, treatment plan and prognosis
  • Your participation in the consideration of ethical issues that arise in the provision of your care, including:
    • Giving informed consent
    • Resolving dilemmas about care decisions
    • The right to refuse any procedure or treatment
    • Withholding resuscitative services
    • Forgoing or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
    • Participation in investigational studies and/or clinical trials
    • Care at the end of life
  • Personal privacy and confidentiality of information including:
    • The right to close the curtain around your bed or close the door when privacy is desired
    • The right to request no visitors/phone calls or designate who may visit and/or call during your stay
    • Designation of a representative decision-maker in the event that you are not capable of understanding a proposed treatment or procedure or are unable to communicate your wishes regarding care
    • Informing you of these issues
    • Your caregivers are educated by the hospital about patient rights and their role in supporting those rights
    • Access to protective services

Should you have a question about any of these rights or need any of the services mentioned, such as interpreter services or use of adaptive aides, please contact the Clinical Coordinator on duty by notifying your nurse.

 

ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION

At The Richland Hospital and Clinics, we aim to help reduce any stress you may have as a patient or visitor. At the time of admission, our Patient Access team members will help you to review necessary information and paperwork. Nursing personnel will ask for additional medical information essential to provide you with individual care.

PATIENT SAFETY

Hospital personnel have extensive training to handle emergencies, including: fires, tornados, and the handling of hazardous substances. Safety inspections and fire drills are held routinely and all staff are required to complete ongoing safety education programs. The Richland Hospital and Clinics also participates in a number of state and national patient safety initiatives, such as fall prevention, assuring that surgical sites are consistently marked correctly, and prevention of hospital acquired infections.

Listed below are some steps you can take to stay safe.

Fall Prevention

  • Use your call light for help
  • Wear non-skid slippers or shoes
  • Let staff know if there is a spill on the floor
  • Always ask for help if you feel weak or lightheaded
  • Use the call light cord in the bathroom if you become weak or need assistance
  • Remind the nurse to keep your phone and bedside table within easy reach
  • Keep the room uncluttered
  • Be sure the night light is on when needed

General Safety

  • Staff should be verifying your name and birth date each time a medication is given or test is done—this is to ensure your safety.
  • If you notice that any hospital staff are not either using hand cleansing gel or washing their hands before caring for you, please ask them to do so.
  • Always remember to SPEAK UP.
  • Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand, ask again.
  • Please ask about treatments and medication your healthcare professionals are giving you.
  • Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan. We have information available.
  • Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
  • Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes. The more information you can give us, the more accurate our records will be.
  • Ultimately, you are the most important person on your healthcare team.
  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment.