Rights and Responsibilities

How Can I Help my Care?

Please tell the staff of your health history and include details such as problems or complications previously experienced, recent illnesses and other treatments elsewhere e.g. do you have any allergies and what are the names and dosages of any tablets or medicines you are taking?

Ask your doctor, nurse or other relevant health care professional for a full, clear explanation of the treatment, drug and tests, which he or she recommends to you. Make sure you understand what you have been told.

Follow the directions given to you for your treatment. Report any changes in your condition to the medical or nursing staff. Check with the ward nurses before you consume food or drink brought to you by visitors.

How Can I Improve the Stay of Other Patients?

•  By understanding the needs and problems of others;
•  By showing consideration for other patients, for example, by use of headphones on television/radios;
•  By both you and your visitors observing the 'No Smoking' rule of the hospital.

How Can I Assist Security?

•  By keeping as little money, jewellery and other valuables as possible in the ward;
•  By giving valuables to the hospital for safe keeping.
How Can I Make the Work of the Hospital More Efficient and Effective?

•  By informing the Hospital of any change in your name or address while you are a patient (inpatient or outpatient)
•  By informing the Hospital in advance if you are unable to keep an appointment;
•  By answering correspondence, filling in forms and returning them when requested, and asking for help from the Hospital staff if you need it;
•  By paying accounts rendered by the Hospital as promptly as possible.

How Can I Make South West Healthcare a Better Hospital?

Staff want to do the best they can for you. There are always changes or improvements, which can be made to help achieve that aim. If you have any concerns about your stay in hospital:

•  Discuss these with the ward nurse, unit manager or your doctor;
•  Write to the Chief Executive Officer and set out details of matters which concern you. Alternatively write to, or contact the Quality Manager; or
•  Document your concerns on the Patient Questionnaire. Helpful criticism will be welcome, as will suggestions on how to improve the Hospital.