A Trusted Friend and Advocate

A patient representative is a concerned advocate who will assist you and your family with questions about the Hospital. This person will visit you once you’re admitted to the Hospital and they will be your contact during your visit should you have questions, concerns or special needs.

If you or your family feel that there may be a problem with the care you are receiving, contact your patient representative. This person can coordinate meetings for patients and family members with doctors, nurses and other staff to resolve problems.

Your representative can also help with interpreter services (including American Sign Language) for patients who do not speak English; addressing cultural needs; notary public services; information about advance directives; and referrals to appropriate services in the Hospital and/or the community.

For more information, call 718.780.3375.

Planning Ahead to Ensure a Smooth Hospital Stay

At New York Methodist, we want every patient to understand his or her right to accept or refuse medical treatment. Plus we encourage patients to plan ahead and provide “advance directives” in accordance with State law. “Advance directives” are verbal or written instructions made by you that tell the Hospital what treatment you would like to receive should you be too sick to tell Hospital staff yourself. The “directives” could include:

• Health care proxy (you give permission to a trusted friend or family member to make medical decisions for you should you be too sick to make decisions yourself)
• Do not resuscitate order (you give permission to Hospital staff to not revive you should your breathing or heartbeat stop)
• Living will (you provide the Hospital with written directions requesting certain medical treatments)

For religious or personal reasons, if you choose to not issue any “advance directives,” the Hospital will honor your right. If you become incapable of making decisions, your medical treatment will be determined by your next of kin and your doctors.

To download a Patient Advocate brochure, click here.