Health Care Dilemmas

Living Will
Medical Power of Attorney
Mental Health Care Power of Attorney
A living will is a written declaration by a competent person over 18 years of age, directing the medical care of the person when they are unable to state their wishes. It may include the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures when a terminal condition exists. A medical power of attorney gives another per-son the power to make medical decisions on someone's behalf if and when the individual becomes disabled or incapacitated. A mental health care power of attorney gives another person the power to make mental health care decisions on someone's behalf when the individual is incapable.

Information regarding healthcare directives is available at the reception desk or by contacting the Patient Relations Coordinator.

Ethics Review
Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty often affect both you and your family when you are hospitalized. If you or your family members have a dilemma or conflict with your planned course of treatment, you may request a meeting with a member(s) of the hospital Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee and its members provide guidance to patients, physicians and hospital personnel when ethical considerations or personal dilemmas arise, as to the extent of treatment of irreversible or terminal conditions. Ethics Committee members are available if there is a conflict between any of the involved parties relating to levels of treatment that are planned for you. Please inform your nurse if you or your family members would like to meet with the Ethics Committee or if you would like the committee to review your care in terms of planned treatment for your irreversible or terminal condition. Your nurse will contact the appropriate parties, and a meeting will be arranged.

Concerns During Your Hospitalization
Your satisfaction with all care provided is important to us. Should you or your family members have concerns about the care you are receiving while hospitalized, you may contact the Patient Relations Coordinator or the Performance Improvement Coordinator through the hospital operator (dial zero). You may also call the Performance Improvement Coordinator at (602) 532-1017 after you are discharged. We encourage you to voice your opinion regarding the care you have received, and we welcome your comments. Your feedback will be treated in a confidential manner.

Case Management
The Case Manager assures appropriate patient care through patient, family and staff education, quality assessment, continuous improvement, timely discharge planning and review of resource utilization.