We are committed to honoring your medical choices. We will provide you with the information you need to make knowledgeable decisions. In addition to obtaining your consent for treatment, we accept “Advance Directives” from you to ensure that we follow your wishes if you should become unable to speak for yourself. Your admission nurse will ask you if you have any Advance Directives so that we can file them in your medical record.

Vermont law provides for Advance Directives. It allows you to appoint someone to speak for you and make sure your wishes – such as the type of care or treatments you would want or not want – are carried out. Advance Directives can be changed or revoked at any time if your wishes should change. Your decision to complete an Advance Directive will not adversely affect your right to receive care.

The hospital has trained staff to explain Advance Directives, should you decide to complete one during your stay. They can also help if you want to make changes to an existing document. If interested, ask your nurse to contact someone for you, or call our Social Work Department at 802.747.3713 between the hours of 8-4:30pm Monday-Friday.