Confidentiality · Respect · Participation

At Southside Regional Medical Center, we believe that patients who understand and participate in their treatment achieve better results. Therefore, we encourage you to become an active member of your healthcare team by being informed about patient rights and responsibilities.

As a patient you have the right to:

• Reasonable and appropriate quality healthcare regardless of race, creed, sex, or nationality.
• Considerate and respectful care.
• Effective assessment and management of pain.
• Know the names of all health professionals taking care of you.
• Information about your illness and treatment plan, including the right to  request a second opinion or to refuse treatment.
• Participate in making decisions regarding your medical care including discharge plans.
• Confidentiality, privacy and security concerning your medical care and related records.
• Information about your continuing healthcare needs including the possible need for services not available at this healthcare facility.
• A safe environment free from all forms of restraints unless indicated by your physician.
• Communicate with people outside of the medical center.
• Be informed of and participate in end of life decisions, advance directives, your living will, medical power of attorney, ethical concerns and spiritual care services.
• Prompt and timely attention to your care issues, including resolution or complaints.
• Request an explanation of your hospital bill.
• Know the policies and procedures of the healthcare facility.
• Have your family, representative or physician notified regarding your medical care.
• Review your medical records.
• Services that protect you as provided by law.

You have the responsibility to:

• Provide all necessary personal and medical history required for treatment.
• Ask if you do not understand your illness or treatment; request more information, if necessary.
• Respect patients and hospital staff.
• Tell your physician or nurse if you are not willing or able to follow the treatment plan recommended for you, or if you have concerns about your care.
• Provide a copy of your written advance directives, living will or medical power of attorney.
• Continue prescribed care after you leave the hospital and keep follow-up appointments.
• Be timely about paying hospital bills. Provide the information necessary to process your insurance and ask questions if you do not understand your bill.

For additional information, please refer to or request a copy of the SRMC Patient Information Packet. This information is available in Spanish, Braille or large print.

If you have a complaint, please share it with us. Ask to speak with the director or nurse manager of your unit or facility. You may also contact our Director of Patient Relations, Administration, at (804) 862-5066. Other resources available to you or your representative include the Virginia Department of Health Professionals (1-800-533-1560), The Center for Quality Health Care Services and Consumer Protection (1-800-955-1819), and the Joint Commission (1-800-994-6610).