A grandmother sits in a hospital bed.

Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

South Huron Hospital's (SHH's) Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities represents important beliefs and behaviours that our staff and physicians strive to achieve in our relationships with our patients, families, and our community.


As a Patient, you have the right to:

  • High quality, evidence-based, and patient-centered care that respects your unique needs, preferences, and values.
  • Have access to the healthcare services that you need in a safe and clean environment.
  • Be treated with compassion, professionalism, dignity, and respect at all times.
  • Know the full name and role of your healthcare team.
  • Have the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal health information handled in a secure and confidential manner.
  • Receive all of your healthcare information or education in a clear, accurate, and complete way.
  • Participate actively in your care planning and in decision making related to your care.
  • Accept or refuse any medications or treatment at any time once you have all the necessary information needed to make an informed choice.
  • Be informed of unintended and preventable events that resulted in harm during your care, and the measures that SHH intends to put in place to prevent future incidents.
  • Be provided with information about the SHH patient feedback process so that you can ask questions and express concerns about your care or services without compromising access to or the quality of your care.

Mutual respect, cooperation, and active partnering in care are essential to the delivery of quality health care.


As a Patient, you are responsible for:

  • Providing all necessary information as requested by your healthcare team and notifying them of any changes.
  • Being cooperative and actively involved in your plan of care, and asking questions when you don’t understand or require more information.
  • Playing an active role in promoting health and safety.
  • Sharing any concerns about you care with the healthcare team.
  • Following the treatment plan created for you to the best of your ability, and recognizing the risks and consequences of refusing treatment and/or leaving the hospital against medical advice.
  • Being courteous and respectful of other patients, visitors, and your healthcare team members.
  • Being respectful of SHH property and complying with SHH regulations and policies.
  • Advising SHH as early as possible if you are unable to keep an appointment.