A stay at Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH (hereinafter referred to as “the Hospital”) should be as pleasant as possible for everyone involved. In particular, we aim to provide our patients with optimal conditions for recovery. These House Rules set out the framework necessary to achieve this aim. They form part of the conditions of entry and apply to all persons – particularly patients, visitors, and staff – upon entering the Hospital premises, including all facilities operated on the site. These House Rules form part of the regulations applicable atthe Hospital, including the general contractual terms and conditions.

1. Mutual Consideration and Respectful Conduct

At the Hospital, mutual consideration and respectful, courteous interaction are fundamental principles. Any form of discrimination, degrading behaviour, or physical or psychological violence will not be tolerated and is expressly prohibited.

Mutual consideration also includes ensuring that any devices with audio output (e.g. smartphones, televisions, radios) are used only at a volume acceptable to others in the immediate vicinity.

2. Visiting Arrangements

In the interests of our patients, the Hospital operates on an open-access basis and seeks to allow visits with as few restrictions as possible. In keeping with the principle of mutual consideration, visits should not take place during the general night-time quiet period (9.00 p.m. – 6.00 a.m.). Exceptions may be made in special medical circumstances, subject to agreement with clinical staff. Visitors are expected to limit their number so as not to disturb the need for rest – particularly of fellow patients – or interfere with treatment procedures. The gathering of larger groups on the Hospital premises is generally prohibited. Clinical staff reserve the right to restrict visiting for medical reasons.

Where special access arrangements apply in certain areas – particularly intensive care units – for medical reasons, these take precedence over the general rules set out above. Ward staff will provide information on any such arrangements.

3. Fire Safety – Prohibition of Open Flames

For fire safety reasons, the use of open flames (e.g. candles) is prohibited throughout the Hospital premises.

4. Smoking and Intoxicating Substances

The Hospital operates as a smoke-free hospital. Smoking is permitted only in areas that are expressly designated for this purpose.

The consumption of intoxicating substances is prohibited throughout the Hospital premises, except where such substances are administered as part of medical treatment.

5. Animals on the Premises

Animals are not permitted in Hospital facilities. Exceptions apply only in the context of recognised animal-assisted therapy programmes.

6. Weapons and Dangerous Objects

The carrying of weapons is prohibited throughout the Hospital premises. This includes any objects that could be used in a manner similar to a weapon. Exceptions apply only to authorised persons carrying service weapons.

7. Image, Video, and Audio Recordings

To protect the privacy and right to self-determination of all persons on the Hospital premises, the making of image, video, or audio recordings of any kind is generally prohibited without prior authorisation. Exceptions may be permitted for private purposes only, subject to the consent of the person being recorded and the approval of Hospital staff. If Hospital facilities are to be recorded, prior approval from the Hospital’s Corporate Communications Department is also required. This applies in particular where publication of recordings – for example on social media – is intended.

Where the Hospital makes temporary video or camera recordings in publicly accessible areas to enhance the safety of patients, staff, and visitors, this will be indicated by appropriate signage. The use of body-worn cameras to protect staff in potentially hazardous situations will be clearly announced in advance. Recordings will be indicated to the person concerned by a technical signal.

8. Personal Valuables and Liability

The Hospital accepts no liability for the loss of valuables brought onto the premises (e.g. jewellery) or for cash. Liability may arise only in narrowly defined statutory exceptional cases and generally only in relation to patients. Liability towards visitors is generally excluded to the extent permitted by law. Patients are therefore strongly advised not to bring valuables or larger sums of cash are not brought onto the Hospital premises and to use the storage facilities provided in their rooms (e.g. room safes).

9. Enforcement of House Rules and Removal from the Premises

These House Rules are enforced under the Hospital’s right to control access to its premises. This authority rests with the Hospital’s Executive Management and may be delegated to authorised staff on site.

Permanent exclusion orders in individual cases are issued by the Executive Management. In justified cases, authorised staff may also require a person to leave the Hospital premises. The relevant line manager or Executive Management must be informed accordingly. Where a patient is required to leave the premises, a physician must first confirm that there is no indication for emergency medical treatment.

10. Breaches of the House Rules

In the event of breaches of these House Rules or of other instructions issued under the Hospital’s authority, the Hospital reserves the right to take appropriate legal action. In cases of serious breaches, this may include the issuing of an exclusion order or, depending on the nature of the breach, the filing of a criminal complaint. Patients and visitors are expected to follow instructions given by Hospital staff at all times.

11. Feedback, Compliments, and Complaints

Patients and their relatives may submit feedback, compliments, or complaints via the Hospital’s feedback and complaints management service. Email: beschwerdemanagementnoSpam(at)klinikumdo(dot)de

12. Final Provisions

These House Rules do not claim to be exhaustive. The Hospital reserves the right to issue further appropriate and reasonable instructions at any time under its authority to ensure safety, order, and the well-being of all persons on the premises.