Patient Rights and Responsibilities

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is committed to the principles of people-centred care, which is about dignity, respect, information sharing, partnership and participation for everyone involved in a person's care, including patients, care partners, essential caregivers, visitors, and health-care professionals. 

Patients can rely on access to information, privacy and confidentiality, consent and choice, and everyone can expect to receive and provide care in a safe, inclusive environment. This is our shared commitment to enhance health-care experiences, improve the health-care system, and foster a supportive care environment.

About student and trainee participation
  • LHSC is a teaching hospital with responsibility for educating physicians, nurses and other health-care professionals. During your stay, you may be in contact with students and trainees.
  • Patients have the right to decline student participation and observation in their care. Requests should generally be accommodated after discussing them with your care provider. There may be occasions where such a request may not be possible or may result in a delay of your care. Options will be discussed with you and your care team, but should not result in a refusal of care. 

 

Our Shared Commitment

Respect
  • Everyone will treat each other with respect and dignity, being considerate, respectful and culturally mindful of each other.
  • Care providers will share their name and role with patients when providing care.
  • Patients may share their preferred names and pronouns with their care team while receiving care in the hospital.
  • Everyone will follow hospital and departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures to ensure everyone’s health, safety and security. 
Privacy
  • LHSC collects, uses, and shares personal health information to provide safe, high-quality care and, where permitted, to support planning and to improve the quality of care for others.
  • Information related to a patient’s care will be treated as confidential and is protected in accordance with privacy legislation and LHSC policies. Access to information is limited to those who need it to provide care or for other authorized purposes.
  • Patients have the right to access their health record, ask questions about the information it contains, and to request clarification or correction where appropriate. Patients may also ask about how their information is used or shared and can raise concerns about privacy at any time. 
Receive and provide care in a safe, inclusive environment
  • LHSC’s priority is the safety of patients, visitors and LHSC team members.
  • In order for Team LHSC to safely provide care, staff and physicians may need to ask patients to remove personal clothing and religious or symbolic items if they will interfere with care procedures or treatments.
  • LHSC is an abuse and harassment-free environment. Everyone can expect to receive and provide care in an environment free of verbal and physical abuse.
  • Care partners, essential care partners, and visitors are welcomed and an important part of caring for patients. There are times when care partners or visitors may be asked to leave the care space or hospital because of a safety or health risk to themselves, care providers or patients.
  • Care providers will share information with patients and their care partners about the risks and consequences of refusing treatment and/or leaving the hospital against medical advice. 
Communication and transparency
  • Patients will receive information to help them make informed decisions about their care. Patients can consent to or refuse proposed care plans and be informed of any risks, alternatives, and costs.
  • Patients are asked to share information about their health, past illnesses, allergic reactions to medication or food, and an up-to-date medication list including all vitamins, herbal supplements, and alternative medicines.
  • Patients and their care partners are asked to attend scheduled appointments and tell their care team if they need to cancel or reschedule. LHSC will let patients know of any changes to their appointment schedule.
  • Patients, their care partners and their care providers will work together to prepare for leaving the hospital when discharged.  
  • Patients are encouraged to speak with their care provider when they have concerns. If concerns cannot be resolved, patients can contact the Patient Relations Office.  
  • LHSC will share and provide a chance for patients to review any care costs. 

 

Related legislation:

For more patient resources, including information about privacy concerns, accessing your health records, sharing concerns or compliments, costs associated with your care, wait times and visitor guidelines, please visit our digital Patient Guide.