The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) believes each person is a unique individual whose nature is physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social. Each person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of circumstance or condition.
As a patient, I have the right to:
Respectful care
- Receive safe, compassionate and timely care, free from discrimination and abuse.
- Receive equitable care that considers my culture, background, language, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity.
- Expect that my values, wishes and beliefs will be included in care plan discussions, including end-of-life care.
- Receive care that respects personal privacy, privacy, comfort and dignity and promotes safety.
Be involved
- Be fully informed about my diagnosis and treatment in a way I can understand.
- Participate as an equal partner in planning my care to meet my needs.
- Learn about the hospital policies that apply to me.
Communicate
- Ask questions and raise concerns without fear that my care will be affected.
- Receive care in my preferred language, with interpreter services provided when needed.
- Know the names and roles of members of my healthcare team.
- Know who my primary contact person is and how to reach them.
- Receive clear information about my condition and proposed treatment to support informed decision-making.
Make choices
- Choose a person to support me in making decisions about my treatment or care.
- Make informed decisions about my care and treatment options.
Privacy
- Have my personal information and medical records kept private and confidential.
- Request and receive a copy of my medical records.
As a patient, I have the responsibility to:
Be respectful
- Help create a hospital environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse.
- Respect the rights, privacy, property, and diversity of staff, other patients, and their families.
- Understand that the needs of other patients may sometimes take priority over my own.
- Follow hospital rules and regulations.
- Understand that a requested treatment may not be provided if it is not medically appropriate or ethically supported.
- Notify my healthcare team as soon as possible if I am unable to attend an appointment.
Communicate
- Provide complete and accurate information about my current condition, past illnesses, hospitalizations, and medications.
- Actively participate in developing and carrying out my care plan to the best of my ability.
- Ask questions when instructions are unclear or difficult to follow.
- Ensure my healthcare team and substitute decision-maker are aware of my values, wishes, and beliefs in the event I am unable to make decisions for myself.
Participate
- Participate in discharge planning and preparation for leaving hospital.
- Pay for any services or costs not covered by my provincial health insurance plan.
- Leave non-essential valuables, such as jewelry, at home.
- Take responsibility for personal belongings such as tablets, smartphones, hearing aids, and glasses. If I am unable to do so, my family or caregiver will assume responsibility.
Questions or concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about these rights and responsibilities, please call Patient Relations at 613-696-7000 ext. 19305 or by email at @email
If you are a visitor, please see our visitor rights and responsibilities.