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Advance Directives
No one expects to be in a an emergency situation. That is why it is important to have an advance directive in place. This document allows you to make your health decisions known in the event that you should ever become incapable of making or expressing informed decisions. A short video hosted by Channel 12's Kent Dana runs during the day on Banner Desert's Health Education Channel 4. If you have additional questions about advance directives, please ask to speak with a social worker, case manager, or call Patient Relations at (480) 512-3185 during business hours.

Patient Rights
For detailed information on Patient Rights and Responsibilities, please refer to the Patient Rights brochure you received upon admission.

As a patient, you have a right to:

• Considerate and respectful care
• Information about and participation in your care
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Ethical decisions Access the Ethics Committee when you or your family have conflicts with your treatment and/or personal values. To access the Ethics Committee, call Medical Staff Services at (480) 512-3221. After hours, call the hospital operator by dialing "0" and ask to speak with the administrator on call
• Expect reasonable safety and security in the hospital environment

As a patient, you are responsible for:

• Providing accurate information and participating in your care
• Following hospital rules and regulations

Patient Safety
It is our responsibility to give you the best possible care, and your safe care is most important to us. Your part in your care is to know about your conditions, what to expect during your treatment and what you can do to help yourself as you recover.

Ask questions

• Your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, benefits plan coordinator, or any health care provider you see should be prepared and eager to answer your questions. If you forgot to ask a question when visiting with your doctor, write it down and call back.
• Find out as much as you can about illnesses or conditions that affect you. Ask your care providers. And, many Banner hospitals have libraries and staff who can help you find the information you need
• Talk to your doctor about all treatment options. If you wish, seek more than one opinion
• Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital experienced in the type of care you need

Involve a family member or friend in your care
Ask a family member or friend to help you when you are receiving care. This person can come with you to appointments, help you ask questions and take notes to help you understand your care instructions.

While you are in the hospital

• It is critical that hospital staff properly identify you before every treatment and procedure. Before the admitting staff puts on your ID bracelet, confirm you name and make sure the information on it is correct
• Ask you nurse about all the medicines he or she gives you. If they are new or different, ask what they are and why you need them
• Be sure the staff who takes blood, tests you, or gives treatment or medicines first checks your hospital ID bracelet and asks your name
• Please do not tamper with devices, including IV pumps. If you have questions about them, ask your nurse
• Tell hospital staff if you are part of a research study. They need to know this!
• Please wash your hands often and remind others to do so. This will help prevent infections
• Be sure your primary doctor knows that you are or have been in the hospital
• Finally, if something just doesn't feel right or safe, or if you feel worried, tell your doctor or nurse right away

Follow your health care instructions

• Get your instructions in writing. We want you to feel that you have the information you need to care for yourself at home
• Read these instructions and ask questions until you understand them
• As your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain these written instructions to you
• Take medicines exactly as prescribed. If you have concerns or side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist
• If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, tell your nurse, doctor or therapist

Work with your doctor and other care providers

• Write down your medical history and conditions or illnesses you have, including: immunizations; allergies; time you've spent in a hospital; all the medicines you're taking including over the counter drugs, vitamins and supplements, and herbs
• Share up-to-date information about your health history and care with everyone who is treating you. Don't assume they know what other doctors and specialists you are seeing or what treatments you are receiving
• Make sure you understand your plan of care and treatment.
• Ask questions if you're not clear about your care. Write your questions down so you don't forget them. Take notes to help you understand your care instructions
• Pay attention. If something doesn't seem right, tell your doctor or other care provider
• If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, tell your nurse, doctor or therapist
• Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics and pharmacies for quick and easy reference