For Patients

Making Health Care Decisions

At CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, we recognize that each person is a child of God, created in His image and likeness, possessing a dignity which is worthy of reverence, protection and preservation from the moment of conception throughout life, until death. All members of your caring team are available to answer your questions and discuss sensitive concerns.

Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorney

Regardless of whether you are an inpatient or an outpatient, you will be asked if you have a living will or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. In the event you are diagnosed with a terminal  illness, a Living Will/Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare acts as the legal document directing health care personnel to carry out your wishes for the duration of your medical care as long as they are in conflict with the Ethical and Religious Directives for the Catholic Health Care Services. This includes the time when you are no longer capable of participating in your medical decisions.

If you are 18 or older and mentally competent, you have the right to make decisions about your medical treatment. If you want to control decisions about your health care, even if you are unable to make or express them yourself, you will need an Advance Directive. An Advance Directive is a set of instructions you give about the health care you want, in the event you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. There are three kinds of Advance Directives: a Living Will, a Health Care Power of Attorney, and Advance Instructions for Mental Health Treatment. You can obtain these forms from the Spiritual Care Department at extension 7739.

Ethics Committee

There may be a time when you are called on to make a decision about health care for yourself or for a loved one. This can often be a confusing, frightening, or painful task. Increased understanding among patients, families and health care providers may lessen your fears and help relieve the burden that such difficult decision-making may cause. Christus St. Patrick Hospital has an Ethics Committee to help you in such circumstances. The Ethics Committee is a group of people who are prepared to listen and respond to you. They can help get all the facts you need to make a decision, and they can offer feedback and suggestions. They will never come up with a final answer or tell you what to do however, they have been educated in medical ethics and can bring their ideas together. The ethics Committee discusses medical and moral guidelines pertaining to the teachings and issues of the Catholic Church. To get in touch with the Ethics Committee please ask your doctor or nurse call extension 7739.

Giving the Gift of Life

The death of a loved one is very difficult time for families. However, through organ donation a family can gain a certain peace of mind, knowing their loved one can leave behind a precious gift of life.

With proper authorization and in compliance with the law, our staff will sensitively act on the wishes set forth by patient and family.

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