Hospital Stay
Complaint Resolution
Patient’s Bill of Rights
Patient Representative
Case Managers
Smoke-Free Policy
Telephone and Television Service
Valuables and Personal Belongings
Protective Services Department/Security
Infection Control
Cellular Phones and Wireless Technology
Electrical Appliances
Celebration of Mass
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel
Complaint Resolution
You have the right to present grievances to the designated hospital staff member to respond to questions or grievances about patient rights and to receive an answer to those grievances within a reasonable period of time. Should you wish to present a complaint or grievance, you may do so by speaking with your nurse or the Nurse Manager for your unit, by contacting the Patient Representative at (845) 431-8114.
If hospital staff cannot resolve the problem, you may contact the New York State Department of Health office for assistance. New York State has established a new toll free centralized hospital complaint hotline (1-800-804-5447) for consumers, families and advocates to file patient care complaints. The public may contact the new hotline with any concerns regarding the conditions or services provided by licensed hospitals, community health clinics and diagnostic treatment centers statewide.
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Patient's Bill of Rights
In accordance with its philosophy of care, Saint Francis Hospital upholds the New York State Department of Health Code which consistent with the law, provides that as a patient you have a right to:
- Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including and interpreter.
- Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or source of payment.
- Receive consideration and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
- Receive emergency care if you need it.
- Be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care at the hospital
- Know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse treatment, examination or observation.
- A no-smoking room.
- Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
- Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for and order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so. If you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the pamphlet “Do Not Resuscitate Orders-A Guide for Patients and Families”.
- Refuse treatment and be told what effect this will have on your health.
- Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
- Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
- Participate in all decisions regarding your treatment and discharge from the hospital. The hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and a written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
- Review your medical record without discharge. Obtain a copy of your medical record for which the hospital can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
- Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
- Complain without fear of reprisal about the care and services you are receiving and to have the hospital respond to you and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospitals response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the Health Department telephone number.
- Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
- Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. You may document your wishes in your Health Care Proxy or on a donor car, available from the hospital.
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Patient Representative
The hospital's Patient Representative is available to assist patients, their families, and visitors with hospital-related concerns such as assisting patients and guests in the areas of complaint resolution, ethical issues, and customer service. Your satisfaction is important to us, and the Patient Representative plays a key role as liaison between patients and the hospital. The Patient Representative may be reached by calling (845) 431-8114 or ext. 18114 Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm. During all other times, please contact the Clinical Administrator by dialing "0" for Operator.
If your concern cannot be resolved, you can contact the Joint Commission at 1-800-994-6610 or at complaint@jointcommission.org.
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Case Managers
Being admitted to the hospital can be a difficult time. But, going home presents its own challenges. Our case managers will work with you and your family -together- to develop a plan. This might include educational material, home care, equipment, a rehabilitation facility, or a nursing home. Our case managers have experience; knowledge and skill in helping you assess your resources and identify your needs, and then putting together a plan that will meet them. Every unit in the hospital is staffed with case managers, who usually meet each patient within the first two days in the hospital. You can ask for your case manager at the nurses’ desk, or call the Case Management Office at (845) 431-8717 or ext. 18717.
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Smoke-Free Policy
Consistent with our commitment to good health and in accordance with state law, smoking is prohibited within Saint Francis Hospital. The Dutchess County Health Department can fine the hospital and/or any individual up to $1,000 for failure to comply with the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act.
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Telephone and Television Service
Telephone and television service to patients is available through Telehealth. Telehealth will ask for advance payment, but a patient need not make a payment upon the first day in order to have the television or phone connected. Payment may be made in cash, personal check, or credit card. The television receivers are equipped with a remote control unit and an under-pillow speaker. Pillow speakers should be placed under the pillow after 11p.m. listening to the television too loudly and disturbing your fellow patients may result in termination of television service. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, special equipment is available upon request for the hearing-impaired patients.
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TDD (Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf)
A TDD is available to allow hearing impaired persons to communicate via a standard telephone.
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Valuables and Personal Belongings
The patient is responsible for the safekeeping of his or her personal belongings and valuables. Please contact your nurse to place your valuables in the cashier’s office. To assure the safekeeping of your dentures, please request a denture cup from your nurse.
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Protective Services Department/Security
To reach this department, dial (845) 431-8122 or ext. 18122. Any Lost and Found question can be directed to (845) 431-3690 or ext. 13690. We advise that all personal valuables and cash over $5 be secured in the safe in the Patient Registration Office.
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Infection Control
Saint Francis Hospital uses a Body Substance Isolation system (which includes Universal Precautions) to prevent the spread of infection.
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Cellular Phones and Wireless Technology
The use of cellular phones or any type of wireless communication devices within the hospital is not allowed, as they may disrupt the operation of life-sustaining equipment.
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Electrical Appliances
Because of our concern to keep you safe from the possible dangers of fire and electrical shock, personal line-operated electrical appliances (radios, televisions, cassette or CD players, shavers, clocks, toothbrushes, hair dryers, coffeemakers, etc.) are not allowed to be brought into Saint Francis Hospital. Battery-operated equipment is allowed, but battery chargers are not.
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Celebration of Mass
Mass is celebrated weekdays at 12pm, Saturdays at 9am, and Sundays at 10am in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, located on the second floor of the Spellman Wing. Mass can be viewed on Channel 58 in each patient room whether or not TV service has been purchased.
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Our Lady of the Angels Chapel
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel is located on the second floor of the Spellman Wing. The Chapel is open for prayer and meditation from 6am to 8pm daily, and at other times by arrangement with the Security Department (845) 431-8122 or ext. 18122.
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