Mutual Respect

Every person should be treated with respect. This should be reflected in the attitude, communications and actions of staff, patients and family.

• every person's right to make decisions about himself or herself (the right to self-determination)
• the right to human dignity and privacy
• people's attempts to communicate, in their own manner, their experience of their illness, ailments or symptoms

Staff will treat patients and their families with courtesy, fairness and understanding. The MUHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin, culture, social status, gender, sexual orientation or health status.

The MUHC recognizes that children and adolescents have particular needs. Staff will respect and attempt to meet those needs in accordance with the hospital's mission, available resources and the needs of other children and their families.

Everyone has a collective responsibility to ensure that the MUHC provides a safe, civil environment. Staff members, patients and visitors should not have to experience harassment or abuse. They must be made to feel they can discuss incidents of abuse without fear of reprisal. Clear directives must be available so people will know with whom they could discuss such incidents.