Patients' Responsibilities | Bermuda Hospitals Board

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.

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 overhead, 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 on the Bermuda Health Council website: bm