Involuntary Patients' Rights | Bermuda Hospitals Board

As an involuntary patient at the hospital, you have the right, consistent with BHB policy, to:

• Understand and use your rights. If you do not understand your rights, our staff will help you to understand and use them.
• Understand the legal process by which you are being confined to hospital against your will. This is known as the Bermuda Mental Health Act. Staff is available to discuss the details of this Act with you and explain how it relates to you.
• Know the name and position of the doctors in charge of your care.
• Know the titles and professions of hospital staff caring for you.
• Receive full details about your diagnosis, treatment and any possible long-term effects of your illness.
• Receive all information that you need, to understand any tests that are being performed or treatment that is given to you.
• Be treated in a considerate, confidential and respectful manner.
• Receive the best possible quality of care in accordance with pre-established standards.
• Be treated in a clean, safe building.
• Receive emergency care if you need it.
• Know where you are allowed to smoke.
• Take part in discussions and decisions with members of the treatment team concerning your condition, transfer to other hospitals, discharge or continuing care following discharge.
• Appeal to the Mental Health Review Tribunal if you are detained in hospital under one of the sections of the Mental Health Act, or if you are discharged from hospital under another section. Application forms can be obtained from the nurse in charge.