Patient Responsibilities

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

When you become a patient at Central Washington Hospital, you become the most important member of your health care team.  It is your responsibility to:

• be honest with us about any health problems you have had, any changes you have noticed in your health, medications you take, special needs you might have.
• help in your care by:
  • telling us when you hurt and when you feel better.
  • letting us know when you do not understand something related to your care.
  • following the directions of the health care team caring for you.
  • letting us know when you do not agree with these directions or for some reason cannot follow them.
  • learning what you can do to take care of yourself.
  • telling us your ideas about how we are taking care of you.
   
• follow our rules and regulations by:
  • leaving your valuables at home.
  • encouraging your visitors to observe the visiting hours.
  • keeping your television or radio at a volume that will not disturb others.
  • Using only the medications prescribed by your doctor.
  • taking care of the property of this health care facility.
  • making our facility free of smoke, alcohol and illegal drugs.
  • not using foul or abusive language.
  • never hitting or threatening another patient, family member or staff person.
  • never bringing a weapon into the facility.
   
• ask us questions about:
  • the papers you are asked to sign.
  • any words you do not understand.
  • any test or procedures you do not understand.
  • any patient safety concerns before, during, or after care has been provided.
  • any pain you are having.
  • rules or regulations that you do not understand or feel are inappropriate for you.
  • special needs you or your family might have.
   
• respect other patients, family and staff by:
  • giving them privacy when needed.
  • keeping information you might hear about other patients to yourself.
  • limiting your visitors and having them observe visiting hours.