Applies To: All Employees, Consultants, Locum Staff, Contract Staff, Volunteers, and Interns

1. POLICY STATEMENT
Loveworld Medical Centre (LMC) is committed to delivering safe, ethical, compassionate, and high-quality healthcare services. This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of professional behaviour expected of all staff and ensures that our operations reflect integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect.
Compliance with this policy is mandatory as a condition of employment and engagement.

2. CORE VALUES AND PROFESSIONAL PRINCIPLES

All employees are expected to demonstrate:

• Integrity – Honesty, transparency, and accountability in all actions.
• Professional Excellence – Competence, diligence, and continuous improvement.
• Compassionate Care – Respectful and patient-centred service delivery.
• Teamwork – Collaboration and mutual respect across departments.
• Confidentiality – Protection of patient and institutional information.

3. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS

3.1 General Conduct

Employees shall:

• Conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation of LMC.
• Avoid any behaviour that may bring the hospital into disrepute.
• Comply with all hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and lawful directives.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients and colleagues.

4. PATIENT ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

All patient interactions must be consistent, respectful, and professional across every touchpoint.

4.1 Front Desk / First Contact

Staff must:

• Greet patients warmly and respectfully.
• Maintain eye contact and attentive posture.
• Provide clear guidance and assistance.
• Avoid dismissive gestures such as pointing without guidance.
• Offer support when patients require directions or assistance.

4.2 Nursing Interactions (Vital Signs & Ward Care)

Nurses shall:

• Introduce themselves by name and designation.
• Explain procedures before performing them.
• Maintain patient dignity and privacy.
• Use reassuring and calm tone at all times.

4.3 Doctor–Patient Consultation

Medical practitioners must:

• Listen actively and without interruption.
• Explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly.
• Obtain informed consent where required.
• Avoid condescension, impatience, or dismissive language.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

4.4 Tone of Communication

All staff must ensure:

• Polite and courteous language.
• No shouting, rude, sarcastic, or aggressive speech.
• Professional and respectful handling of complaints.
• Cultural sensitivity and empathy.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

Employees must:

• Protect patient medical records and hospital data.
• Not disclose confidential information without authorization.
• Avoid discussing patient matters in public areas.
• Comply with all applicable data protection regulations.

Breach of confidentiality constitutes gross misconduct.

6. ETHICAL PRACTICE & CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Employees must:

• Avoid personal interests that conflict with hospital duties.
• Declare any potential conflicts to Management.
• Not solicit gifts, bribes, or financial inducements from patients or vendors.
• Avoid referring patients to external facilities for personal gain.

7. PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE AND DRESS CODE

All staff shall:

• Wear approved uniforms or professional attire.
• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Display official identification badges while on duty.
• Avoid inappropriate or overly casual dressing.

8. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Employees must:

• Report to duty on time.
• Follow approved leave procedures.
• Notify supervisors promptly in case of absence.
• Avoid unauthorized absenteeism.

Persistent lateness or absenteeism constitutes gross misconduct as it affects patient care.

9. WORKPLACE CONDUCT

9.1 Respect and Non-Discrimination

LMC prohibits:

• Harassment of any kind.
• Bullying or intimidation.
• Discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or age.

9.2 Team Collaboration

Employees must:

• Cooperate across departments.
• Escalate conflicts appropriately.
• Avoid gossip and divisive behaviour.

10. USE OF HOSPITAL PROPERTY

Employees shall:

• Use hospital equipment responsibly.
• Not remove hospital property without authorization.
• Avoid misuse of drugs, consumables, or supplies.
• Use IT systems responsibly and professionally.

11. SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLIC REPRESENTATION

Employees must:

• Not disclose confidential hospital or patient information online.
• Not post content that may damage LMC’s reputation.
• Avoid representing personal opinions as official hospital views.
• Seek approval before media engagement on hospital matters.

12. SAFETY AND CLINICAL COMPLIANCE

All clinical and non-clinical staff must:

• Adhere to infection prevention and control protocols.
• Follow clinical guidelines and scope of practice.
• Report incidents, errors, or safety concerns immediately.
• Participate in mandatory training and drills.

13. REPORTING MISCONDUCT

Employees are encouraged to report:

• Ethical violations.
• Fraud or financial misconduct.
• Clinical malpractice.
• Harassment or unsafe practices.

Reports should be made to:

• Immediate Supervisor
• Head of Department
• Human Resources
• Hospital Management

Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.

14. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Violations of this Code may result in:

• Verbal Warning
• Written Warning
• Suspension
• Termination of Employment
• Referral to regulatory authorities where applicable

Serious violations such as theft, fraud, assault, gross negligence, or breach of confidentiality may lead to immediate dismissal.

15. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All employees must sign an acknowledgement confirming that they:

• Have read and understood this Code of Conduct.
• Agree to comply with its provisions.
• Understand the consequences of violations.