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Little Falls Patient Responsibility

The following responsibilities are also communicated to patients upon admission:

1. As a patient, it is your responsibility to provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medication, and other matters relating to your health. You have the responsibility to report unexpected changes in your condition to the responsible practitioner. A patient is responsible for reporting whether you clearly comprehend a contemplated course of action and what is expected of you.

2. A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for your care. This may include following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care, implement the responsible practitioner's orders, and enforce the applicable hospital rules and regulations. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and when you are unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the hospital.

3. You are responsible for actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner's instructions.

4. You are responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.

5. You are responsible for following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

6. As a patient, you are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and for assisting in the control of noise, smoking, and the number of visitors. You are also responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.

Your Room: Room assignments are based on a number of factors, including medical requirements, availability, and preference. Private rooms will be provided upon request, if available. Many insurance plans will not pay the difference in cost between a private and semi-private room.

Personal Items: It is suggested that you bring to the hospital only the personal property and amount of money necessary for your stay. Please place items such as glasses, dentures, and hearing aids in clearly marked containers. To help protect them, we ask that you not keep valuables such as jewelry, watches and large sums of money in your room. You are welcome to use battery operated appliances. For your safety, personal electrical appliances such as radios, hair dryers, and shavers may not be used in the hospital.

Beds and Bath: Your bed has a call button that connects to the nursing station. To use it, simply press the button and wait for someone to answer, then deliver your message in a normal speaking voice. Your request will be handled as quickly as possible.

A staff member will show you how to use the controls that raise and lower the bed. The side rails are raised for your safety, especially at night, after surgery, or after you have received medications. Please ask for assistance if you need to get out of bed. Do not try to climb over the rails.

Each room has a sink and a toilet. Showers are available on each nursing unit. Use the call button if you need help getting to the bathroom. An emergency call button is located in each bathroom. If you are unable to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, call for assistance.