A New Beginning

Patient Rights

The Joint Commission is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits thousands of health care organizations and programs, both in the United States and around the world. According to its standards, every patient must receive respectful medical care that is free from bias or racism of any kind. As a maternity patient, your relationships with the people on your care team should be characterized by empathy, support, trust, confidence, and empowerment. Similarly, your communications with them should always be gentle, effective, and respectful, on both sides of every conversation. Pregnancy and childbirth are universally recognized as significant life events as well as times of increased vulnerability. Today’s health care teams are strongly encouraged to work together to consistently provide patients with the highest levels of support, security, and physical and emotional care possible. As a patient or a member of a patient’s family, you should never be afraid to speak up for yourself. Your opinions matter, and you have the right to be involved in all decisions that may affect the health of you and your baby. Northside Hospital strives to provide satisfactory care; however, if you have a concern that you feel was not satisfactorily addressed, you have the right to contact a Patient Relations representative. You also have the right to file a concern with the Georgia Department of Community Health. You may reach them at 404-656-4507 or by mail at 2 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Patient safety concerns can be reported to The Joint Commission: • At www.jointcommission.org , using the “Report a Patient Safety Event” link in the “Action Center” on the homepage • By fax to 630-792-5636 • By mail to Office of Quality and Patient Safety, The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

10 A New Beginning