Competent adults have the right to make decisions regarding their healthcare. The courts of this state have recognized that this right should not be lost when a person becomes unable to make his or her own decisions. Therefore, people have the right to accept or refuse any medical treatment, including life-sustaining treatment. To enable them to make these decisions, patients have the right to be adequately informed about their medical condition, treatment alternatives, likely risks and benefits of each alternative and possible consequences.

The law now requires that patients be informed of the advance directives available to help assure that their wishes are carried out even if they are no longer capable of making or communicating their decisions. It should be kept in mind that every patient has the right to choose whether he or she wants to execute an advance directive.

Concerns or Complaints

If you have a concern, complaint, or question you may:

• Speak personally to the Director of the Department or to the Administrative Supervisor.
• Call the Customer Care line at 618-798-3748 if you do not wish to speak to the Director or your concern has not been satisfactorily resolved. The Customer Care line is available 24 hours a day and is staffed during normal business hours.Any call received after business hours is followed up on the next business day.
• Forward the complaint in written form to the attention of the Customer Service Department, Gateway Regional Medical Center, 2100 Madison Avenue, Granite City, IL, 62040. A Customer Service representative will contact you to discuss your complaint.
• You may also call the Corporate Compliance Officer at 1-800-495-9510.
• You may also write to the Illinois Department of Aging, 331 Salem Place, Suite 170, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 or call 1-800-252-8966 (voice and TDD) or 1-800-326-3221. For more information or to submit a complaint, Contact Us.

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