Patient Responsibilities

The mission of St. Luke's Health–Brazosport is to nurture the healing ministry of the Church, supported by education and research. Fidelity to the Gospel urges us to emphasize human dignity and social justice as we create healthier communities. In order to provide you with the best possible care, you will need to take responsibility for being a vital partner in that care.
 

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Every patient is responsible for:

• Communicating honestly and directly
• Cooperating with the health care team
• Understanding his/her health issues
• Participating in his/her medical plan
• Consequences resulting from noncompliance
• Following hospital rules and regulations
• Being respectful of others and hospital property
• Informing the hospital of a violation of patients rights
• Fulfilling his/her financial obligations for health care
• Communicating any safety concerns including perceived risks in his/her care, and unexpected change(s) in their condition
• Have information presented in a manner that meets all patient's needs
• To have any family member or friend present for emotional support
• To designate anyone who may visit you in the hospital
• Coordinating all interactions with the media with the hospital marketing department by calling extension 1823
   

SPEAK UP

Everyone has a role in making health care safe. That includes doctors, health care executives, nurses, and many health care technicians. Health care organizations all across the country are working to make health care safe. As a patient, you can make your care safer by being active, involved and informed member of your health care team.

To prevent health care errors, patients are urged to:  SPEAK UP™

• Speak up if you have questions or concerns.  If you still don’t understand, ask again.  It’s your body and you have a right to know.
• Pay attention to the care you get.  Always make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals.  Don’t assume anything.
• Educate yourself about your illness.  Learn about the medical tests you get and your treatment plan.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter).
• Know what medicines you take and why you take them.  Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes.
• Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other types of health care organization that has been carefully checked out.  For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting The Joint Commission’s quality standards
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment.  You are the center of the health care team.