The Chester County Hospital and Health System is committed to providing the highest standard of patient care. Our physicians and personnel recognize that effective communication with patients and their families is an important part of any treatment plan, as is cooperation by the patient and family.

Our Patients Have the Right to:

• Services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, national origin, or source of payment
• Respectful care by competent personnel
• Medical care that adheres to the highest professional standards
• Privacy regarding all aspects of their care
• Confidentiality of all records
• All information in their medical record unless prohibited for medical or legal reasons
• An interpreter for the non-English speaking, hearing or vocally impaired
• Information about their diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms they understand
• Give consent or refuse any procedures and/or treatment including drugs
• An Advanced Directive
• Emergency procedures without unnecessary delay
• Know the identity and function of those providing their care
• Consultation with other physicians
• Participate or not participate in clinical research
• A complete explanation concerning the need for a transfer to another institution
• Discharge planning to aid in continuity of care
• An explanation of their hospital bill
• Counseling about available financial resources for hospital care
• Services in a timely manner and with the least physical discomfort possible
• Pain assessment and treatment
• An environment free from all forms of abuse and harassment
• Assistance regarding domestic violence and/or child abuse
• A restraint-free hospitalization unless all alternatives have failed
• Be informed about their patient rights
• An authorized agency or third party to intercede to protect their rights
• Expedient review of concerns without compromise of the quality of care received
• Notification of the resolution of concerns

We expect Patients, Parents and/or Guardians to:

• Provide comprehensive information about their or their child's medical history
• Be helpful to their physicians and freely express any concerns
• Cooperate with all personnel and ask questions if directions and explanations are unclear
• Control noise and the number of visitors
• Respect the no smoking policy.
• Provide information necessary for insurance processing
• Be responsible for their personal property and respect the property of others and the Hospital
• Follow recommended plan of care

Physician-Patient Relationship:

Both the patient and the physician have the right to terminate the physician-patient relationship. The following are among the reasons to consider such action.

• Incompatibility of personalities which interferes with the proper investigation and treatment
• When the patient's disease or condition is outside the physician's expertise
• Patient's excessive consultation with other physicians without the knowledge and consent of the primary physician
• Patient's repeated failure to follow the physician's advice and treatment and/or lack of cooperation

Adequate time will be allowed for the patient to find another physician before services are terminated. The names of one or more physicians in the area capable of treating the patient's condition will be furnished if the patient requests them.

Last Updated: 4/21/2010