The history of NPHS, its mission statement, and other useful info.
List of services, info on physicians, plus comments by doctors, nurses, employees & patients.
List of services, info on physicians, plus comments by doctors, nurses, employees & patients.
Information about medical services, primary care doctors, specialists and other health care providers, available through NPHS.
Info on visiting hours, directions, transportation & parking, and important phone numbers.
Listing of all the health plans that each hospital accepts.
Health information, events, and activites for senior citizens.
NPHS en Espanol
Information for healthcare professionals including: Physician referral, department overviews, and research & database links.
General health information, and tips to help stay healthy.
A new health or medical topic each week.

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL Patient Handbook
Working towards a healthy community

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

DEFINITIONS 

Advance Directive
An Advance Directive is a document that allows you to express your wishes regarding medical care and the extent of care desired in the event you become unable to speak for yourself. There are two types of Advance Directives legally recognized in Pennsylvania:

  • Living Wills

  • Durable Medical Power of Attorney Advance Directives can be revoked or changed at any time, either verbally or in writing.

Living Wills
A Living Will is a document signed by you indicating what your treatment choices would be if you became terminally ill and unable to express your own wishes or are in an irreversible coma. It is a guide for those providing medical care to you. You may also appoint a proxy to assist in making decisions for you.

Durable Medical Power of Attorney
Durable Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document that identifies another person who may legally act on your behalf when you can no longer make medical decisions. This “agent” whom you select would be able to make healthcare decisions and give consent for you if and when you are unable to make such decisions.

DEFINITIONS

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL POLICIES RELATED TO ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Policy
St. Joseph’s Hospital is committed to preservation of life and easing of suffering while supporting patient and family rights. Every patient admitted to the hospital will receive total life support.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR may be withheld if a DNR order is written by a physician as determined to be appropriate by the physician and you and/or your family. A DNR order can be revoked at any time.