The Saskatchewan Health Authority and its Board of Directors have signed a Patient Rights and Responsibilities agreement to enshrine rights around patient safety, quality care and the SHA’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. Board Chair Arlene Wiks says the agreement replaces all existing patient rights and responsibility agreements that were in place in the former health regions.

These patient rights and responsibilities were created collaboratively with input from more than 700 different individuals across the province over the past several years. Partners in its development include patients themselves, families involved with patient care, First Nation and Metis communities, staff and physicians from across Saskatchewan. Some elements of the agreement include:

•                     Providing care, free from any form of discrimination;

•                     Providing translation services and explaining care in a way that’s more understandable to everyone;

•                     Striving to include cultural supports when care is provided;

•                     Keeping health information private;

•                     Partnering with patients to help with health care choices and needs; and,

•                     Helping patients access their health information