Patient Declaration of Values

Respect and Dignity

  1. We expect that our individual identity, beliefs, history, culture and ability will be respected in our care.
  2. We expect health care providers will introduce themselves and identify their role in our care.
  3. We expect that we will be recognized as part of the care team, to be fully informed about our condition, and have the right to make choices in our care.
  4. We expect that families and caregivers be treated with respect and seen as valuable contributors to the care team.
  5. We expect that our personal health information belongs to us, and that it remain private, respected and protected.

Empathy and Compassion

  1. We expect health care providers will act with empathy, kindness and compassion.
  2. We expect individualized care plans that acknowledge our unique physical, mental and emotional needs.
  3. We expect that we will be treated in a manner free from stigma and assumptions.
  4. We expect health care system providers and leaders will understand that their words, actions, and decisions strongly impact the lives of patients, families and caregivers.

Accountability

  1. We expect open and seamless communication about our care.
  2. We expect that everyone on our care team will be accountable and supported to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively.
  3. We expect a health care culture that values the experiences of patients, families, and caregivers, and incorporates this knowledge into policy, planning, and decision-making.
  4. We expect that patient-family experiences and outcomes will drive the accountability of the health care system and those who deliver services, programs, and care within it.
  5. We expect that health care providers will act with integrity by acknowledging their abilities, biases, and limitations.
  6. We expect health care providers to comply with their professional responsibilities and to deliver safe care.

Transparency

  1. We expect we will be proactively and meaningfully involved in conversations about our care, considering options for our care and decisions about our care.
  2. We expect our health records will be accurate, complete, available, and accessible across the provincial health system at our request.
  3. We expect a transparent, clear, and fair process to express a complaint, concern, or compliment about our care and that it does not impact the quality of the care we receive.

Equity and Engagement

  1. We expect equal and fair access to the health care system and services for all regardless of the place of origin, background, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, marital or family status, education, ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or location within Ontario.
  2. We expect that we will have opportunities to be included in health care policy development and program design at local regional and provincial levels of the health care system.