Advanced Directives
At Glendora Community Hospital, we want our patients to understand their
right to make medical treatement decisions. The hospital has formal policies
to ensure that your wishes about treatment are followed. You have the
right to participate in decisions about your care. If you can't make
treatment decisions because you are too sick, your doctor will ask your
closest available relative or friend to help decide what is best for you.
Most of the time that works.
Sometimes, however, everyone doesn't agree about what to do. That
is why it is helpful if you decide in advance what you want to happen
if you can't speak for yourself and which family members of friends
you would like to speak for you.
Under California law, an advanced directive called a Durable Power of
Attorney for Healthcare enables you to designate in writing who you would
like to speak to doctors and nurses when you are unable to do so.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare forms are available in English
and Spanish through Social Services. On admission, you will receive more
information about advance directives.
Remember, you do not need an advance directive if you can tell your doctors
and nurses what care you want and which care you do not want. Ask your
doctor, registered nurse, or social worker for more information on advance
directives.