(LONDON, Ontario) - The Children and Youth Advisory Council at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre today launched the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
The Bill of Rights and Responsibilities was developed for children and youth to help them understand what they are entitled to and what is expected of them during their stay at Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. The rights include, but are not limited to, rights to information, privacy and confidentiality, consent and choice.
“We hope that this document will help patients gain a sense of empowerment, allowing them to feel secure and comfortable asking questions of staff and coping with their hospital stay,” said Steven McLean, founding member of the council.
As well as helping patients, the Bill of Rights will also be useful for staff.
“This initiative is also intended to be a resource for physicians and staff to help improve the family centered care philosophy of Children's Hospital at LHSC,” said Laurie Gould, Integrated Vice President, Women and Children’s Services.
In addition to the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, the Children and Youth Advisory Council also premiered Sincerely, A Child, a new and original song created to enhance patient, family and health-care provider understanding of the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
“Council members felt that there is greater likelihood that individuals will retain the information when shared through a song, rather than presented solely through detailed points on paper,” said Dr. Paul Atkison Integrated Senior Medical Director, Women and Children’s Services.
The Children and Youth Advisory Council is a patient and sibling advisory council to Children’s Hospital. Members are between 11 and 17 years old and work collaboratively with hospital staff to improve the patient experience by providing fresh, new, helpful, and creative ideas.
The Bill of Rights document came about after hospital leaders asked the Children and Youth Advisory Council what was most important to them about how care is provided at Children’s Hospital. Council members shared their positive and negative experiences through workshops and meetings, and decided to share their views further by writing the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities document.
Please see the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities on the Children and Youth Advisory Council website at: http://www.lhsc.on.ca/cyac
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For more information contact:
Cory Habermehl
Corporate Communications and Public Relations
London Health Sciences Centre
519-685-8500, ext. 58738
cory.habermehl@lhsc.on.ca
After-hours assistance:
Call LHSC Switchboard at 519-685-8500 and ask to page the communication consultant on-call
Visit the LHSC Media web site at www.lhsc.on.ca/media