Rights and Responsibilities

Promoting an environment of mutual respect

Windsor Regional Hospital recognizes its responsibility to ensure the well being, safety and dignity of its patients/clients, their families, its employees and affiliates. Windsor Regional Hospital is also committed to promoting an environment of mutual respect among and between its employees, affiliates, and the recipients of their services.

To this end, and in keeping with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, behaviour that is in contravention of these Acts and/or is deemed to be outside the accepted hospital standards of conduct, will be dealt with in an expedient manner.

Windsor Regional Hospital further believes that all patients and staff deserve a place free of harassment and violence. Physical or verbal abuse of patients, family members, visitors and staff is not tolerated. We encourage mutual respect and tolerance at all times. Any person who verbally or physically attacks another person or destroys hospital property is liable and may be reported to the police.

Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Employee Rights
  • You have the right to be treated with consideration, courtesy and respect in a way that fully recognizes your dignity, individuality and cultural background.
  • You have the right to expect that all personal information will be confidential unless required by law to be disclosed.
  • You have the right to receive, and the responsibility to give clear directions. 
  • You have the right to participate in decisions directly affecting professional performance. 
  • You have the right to expect constructive feedback regarding your work performance. 
  • You have the right to a job description and to skills training where appropriate. 
  • You have the right to a safe work environment. 
  • You have the right to express concerns without fear of reprisal.
  • You have the right to a supportive environment in all issues of dispute.
Employee Responsibilities
  • You have the responsibility of treating others with consideration, courtesy and respect in a way that fully recognizes their dignity, individuality and cultural background.
  • You have the specific responsibility of treating patients, clients, residents, family members and visitors with consideration, courtesy and respect in a way that fully recognizes their dignity, individuality, level of health, abilities and cultural background. 
  • You have the responsibility of treating all colleagues with respect and continually striving towards a collaborative outcome on all issues of patient care. 
  • You have the responsibility to participate with all disciplines in identifying the most effective and appropriate treatment plan for each patient. 
  • You have the responsibility of using a team approach to problem-solving that focuses on improvement. 
  • You have the responsibility of respecting and continually upholding the organizational goals and objectives. 
  • You have the responsibility of identifying and reporting safety issues promptly to prevent injuries to co-workers. 
  • You have the responsibility of participating in all issues of Quality and Risk Management that focuses on improving care and reducing all risks.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights
  • You have the right to be treated with consideration, courtesy and respect in a way that fully recognizes your dignity, individuality and cultural background.
  • You have the right to privacy in care for your personal needs 
  • You have the right to information concerning your medical condition, in terms, you can understand. 
  • You have the right to participate in decisions regarding your care.
  • You have the right to an explanation about your treatment, including benefits, risks and alternatives.
  • You have the right to give or refuse consent for treatment, including medication and to be informed of the consequences of giving or refusing consent for treatment. 
  • You have the right to confidentiality of all information.
  • You have the right to know the identity and profession of those responsible for your care.
  • You have the right to express any concerns without fear of negative results.
  • Persons with special needs or handicaps have the right to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the law.
  • You have the right to be heard and receive a response should you want to express your opinion about the care you have received

Patient Responsibilities

We believe that patients have the responsibility to:

  • Participate with all caregivers in their treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Provide accurate information regarding their care.
  • Accept the responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment.
  • Be considerate to all those providing care and to other patients.
  • Observe hospital rules and regulations.
  • Be responsible for all personal property.
  • Actively participate in discharge planning.
  • Accept the responsibility for all uninsured financial obligations. 
  • Voice any concerns first to the health care provider or the Patient Representative if necessary

Patient Declaration of Values for Ontario

The Declaration is a vision that articulates a path toward patient partnership across the health care system in Ontario. It describes a set of foundational principles that are considered from the perspective of Ontario patients and serves as a guidance document for those involved in our health care system.

The Declaration champions the shift for the role of patients, families and caregivers across the health care system in Ontario and outlines expectations about values, resources and supports that should be prioritized.

Declaration of Values for Ontario