Patient Rights
Access to information and services
- To know the hospital’s mission statement and what services are offered.
- To receive care based on clinical needs, including emergency or urgent medical care without delay.
- To be referred to a specialist if necessary.
- To have visual access to the Patient and Family Rights & Responsibilities upon visiting our facility as a new patient. Your rights and responsibilities will also be displayed on the website and in different areas of our facility for your reference and review.
- To provide general consent for treatment and have a general scope and limitations of the consent explained.
- To consent or decline or reject to participate in clinical research, investigations, or trials.
Respect and dignity
- To be treated with dignity and respect regardless of ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, culture, disability, payment method or any other factor.
- To receive care that recognizes and respects your personal values and beliefs.
- To receive compassionate, empathetic care.
Quality and professional care
- To receive treatment from licensed, qualified and experienced caregivers in an accredited facility.
- To receive care to the highest professional standards.
- To avail second opinion or to transfer your care to another physician if you wish without fear of compromising care.
- To refuse treatment except as otherwise provided by law. The treating physician must inform you of the medical consequences of your refusal. Accordingly, you shall sign a form to that effect.
Privacy and confidentiality
- To have the right to privacy during examinations, procedures and treatments.
- To know who is present during care and their roles.
- To have personal information and medical records kept confidential, secure and up to date.
- To have personal information and medical records kept confidential, secure, up to date and accessible.
Communication and consent
- To receive clear, jargon free explanations of conditions, treatments and aftercare and to have access to translation services if required.
- To be informed of treatment options, including alternatives available within or outside the hospital.
- To provide informed consent to treatments and procedures in line with Department of Health guidelines.
- To provide your written informed consent before any surgery, minimally invasive procedure, anaesthesia, transfusion of blood and blood products, or any other medical procedures that require your written consent after receiving all information that you may need. The information received must include the procedure benefits, available alternatives, and all possible risks and/or side effects.
- To provide a written consent /refuse when asked to participate in medical research. You have the right to end your participation at any time for any reason without compromising the quality of the medical services provided to you.
Pharmaceutical care
- To choose a pharmaceutical care provider and receive relevant, understandable information about medications.
- To participate in decisions about drug therapies and be informed about possible side effects and interactions.
- To have drug therapies monitored to prevent adverse effects.
Safety and security
- To experience a safe environment during stays, protected from any physical or emotional harm.
- To receive appropriate protection if they are children, elderly, disabled or otherwise vulnerable.
Complaints and feedback
- Complaints will be acknowledged, fully investigated and responded to in accordance with hospital policy.
- To be informed of how to raise concerns about care, access to rights or safety standards.
Financial transparency
- To be informed of any uncovered costs or expenses before making decisions.
- To receive immediate treatment in emergencies, regardless of insurance status.
Interpreter services
- To have access to Arabic/English interpreting services when needed.
At Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, we are dedicated to upholding these rights ensuring that every individual feels heard, respected and cared for throughout their healthcare journey.
Patient Responsibilities
At Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, we encourage all patients, customers, visitors and their families to take an active part in their care and to respect the rights of others. By fulfilling these responsibilities, together we can create a safe, respectful and efficient healthcare environment.
Documents and identification
- Bring a valid ID (Emirates ID or Passport), medical and insurance card with you each time you visit the hospital.
Compliance with rules and treatment plans
- Follow the rules and regulations of the hospital.
- Follow the treatment plan set out by the medical staff and to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions regarding this plan.
- Provide your signed General Consent for treatment upon your visit when applicable.
- Provide your signed informed consent before any minor surgery, anaesthesia or any other procedures that entail your written consent; after receiving all information that you may need. This must include the procedure benefits, available alternatives, and all possible risks (if any).
- Pay for services rendered promptly.
- Adhere to Hospital’s rules and regulations including but not limited to; no-smoking policy, maintaining the cleanliness of our facility, hand hygiene etc. and accept that these are for patients and visitors’ wellbeing.
Communication and clarification
- Ask questions if any aspect of care or treatment is unclear.
Respect and consideration
- Respect the rights and responsibilities of other patients, visitors and medical staff.
- Be polite and considerate to caregivers, patients and visitors.
- Avoid abusive language and inappropriate behavior towards others.
- Be considerate of the needs of other patients.
Appropriate use of emergency services
- Only use the emergency service in urgent cases when other options for medical care are not available.
Provide accurate information
- Provide accurate personal information and a complete medical history, including current treatments, medications and any allergies.
Safeguarding Personal Belongings
- Secure any personal belongings you have with you during your visits or stays.
Discharge Preparation
- Inform medical staff of any special discharge needs and prepare to leave the hospital or transfer to another facility as soon as you are medically discharged.
Accountability for Treatment Choices
- Understand and accept responsibility for outcomes if choosing not to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions or recommendations.
Appointment management
- Keep scheduled appointments and inform the clinic in advance if you cannot come so that the time can be given to someone who needs it.
