Patient Bill Of Rights

We want you to know your rights at BHB and what we expect from you (your responsibilities). We encourage you to be an active partner in your care. This means we want you to speak openly with your health care team. We want you to ask questions and give your thoughts and opinions about your care and treatment.

Please review the patient rights and responsibilities listed below.

YOU OR YOUR DESIGNATED PERSON HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

RESPECTFUL AND SAFE CARE

Receive treatment with respect and compassion in a safe environment.
Receive treatment no matter who you are and where you are from. This includes how old you are, your gender identity, your faith, sexual orientation, any disabilities or illnesses you have, or your ability to pay.
Have someone you choose contacted when you are admitted and discharged from the hospital.
Know the names of your health care team members and what they do.
Have your values, beliefs and wishes respected.
Be visited by members of your religious or spiritual community.
Get help from the Ethics Committee for difficult decisions about your care.
Only be isolated or restrained if there is a medical or safety concern.
Seek help outside of BHB if there has been abuse or neglect.

COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT

Get information that is clearly understandable to you. A sign language or foreign language interpreter can be provided free of charge.
Have your questions about your care answered in a timely manner.
Be told about all possible outcomes of your care.
Participate and be involved in all decisions about your care, your treatment, services provided and discharge plans.
Share your concerns and expectations.
Choose a person to support you. This person can be with you during your care and make decisions on your behalf if at any time you are unable to do so yourself and if you have given them that permission. The support person is not allowed to interfere with your, other patients or staff’s rights, safety or health.
Be told fully and promptly of any adverse or unexpected safety events.
Have your pain assessed and have your say about how to manage your pain.
Have a second opinion.
Refuse treatment or care
Decide who may visit and change your mind about who may visit.

END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS

Let us know what you would want to happen if you are unable to make decisions about your care. This can be done in an advance health directive. BHB can provide you with one to complete. If you have one, you can update date it at any time.
Make decisions about your end-of-life care.
Choose whether your organs are considered for donation or not.

INFORMED CONSENT

Agree or refuse to care before it is provided or at any time during your treatment.
Know the risks and benefits of your treatment, and any alternatives.
Agree or refuse to be part of a research study without affecting your care. If you agree, you have the right at any time to withdraw from the study.
Agree or refuse to allow any types of pictures, videos, or voice recordings.

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Have all communication and records about your care kept confidential, unless you say it can be shared, or if this is required by law.
Have your privacy and confidentiality respected in care discussions, examinations and treatments.
See a copy of your medical records and have your information explained.

COMPLIMENTS, COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Give your opinion, whether good or bad, about the care you receive.
Have your complaints addressed by speaking directly with the doctor(s), ward nurse manager, department manager or a clinical director. You can also contact the BHB Patient Relations Manager at (441) 239-1425 or e-mail: feedback@bhb.bm. If you are still not satisfied, you may be referred to other community support groups.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Treat all hospital staff, other patients and visitors with courtesy and respect. Patients and visitors who do not will be removed from BHB properties and possibly banned from accessing non-emergency care services at the hospital. The police may be also involved as needed.
Respect all individuals, no matter who you are and where you are from. We will consider individual requests (such as the gender of a caregiver) for privacy, religious, or cultural needs if it can be accommodated.
Not share another person’s private information, if accidentally seen or overheard, with anyone.
Let the staff know what you would prefer for your care and treatment.
Ask questions or let the staff know if you do not understand information or instructions.
Provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, insurance coverage and employer.
Provide as complete a medical history as you can including: information about past illnesses, hospitalisations, family history of illness, medications (prescription, over-the-counter and herbal remedies) and the use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or any other substances.
Give the hospital or your doctor a copy of your advance health directive (if you have one) or make your wishes known at the time of admission.
Keep appointments or call in advance to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Leave valuables at home and only bring what you need while in hospital.
Sign a Departure without Authorisation form if refusing to stay at the hospital.
Pay your bills. If you are unable to do so, contact our Finance Department to set up a payment plan. The current Bermuda Hospitals Board (Hospital Fees) Regulations Schedule is posted here: Hospitals Fees & Regulations – Bermuda Hospitals Board