1. Introduction

The Terms and Conditions (“Terms”, “Agreement”), together with our Privacy Policy, Data Processing Addendum (“DPA”), and any clinical consent forms you sign, govern your use of the services provided by The Unforsaken House of Hephzibah, a private specialist psychological and mental health facility operating in Nigeria (“UHOH”).

By booking an appointment, registering as a patient, undergoing assessment or treatment, using our facilities, or signing any document referencing these Terms, you agree to be bound by this Agreement. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must discontinue the use of our Services immediately.

2. Legal Framework

These Terms are compliant with relevant Nigerian laws and regulations, including National Health Act 2014 (NHA), Medical and Dental Practitioners Act and rules of professional conduct, National Data Protection Act 2023 (NDPA), National Data Protection Act, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (“FCCPA”) 2018 and applicable state health regulations.

Where laws conflict, Nigerian legislation shall prevail.

3. Scope of Services

The Hospital provides specialist psychological and mental health services (“Services”), which may include

1. Psychological and psychiatric assessments
2. Diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders
3. Individual, family or group psychotherapy
4. Medication management
5. Inpatient and outpatient mental health care
6. Addiction, trauma, or behavioural rehabilitation programmes

The Hospital provides specialist psychological and mental health services (“Services”), which may include

4. Patient Communications

By using our Services, you consent to receive communications through phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp (where consented), Email, patient portals and official letters. We may contact you regarding appointments, safety alerts, treatment updates, billing notices, or administrative matters. You must ensure your contact details remain accurate.

For your safety and privacy, please do not share your personal phone number with any staff member except authorised administrative personnel. The Hospital cannot be held liable for any issues that may result from disregarding this guidance.

5. Consent to Treatment

By accessing our Services, you confirm that:

1. You voluntarily consent to psychological or psychiatric assessment and treatment.
2. You may withdraw consent at any time, unless doing so places you or others at significant risk (National Mental Health Act 2021).
3. Some procedures (e.g., medication initiation, inpatient admission) require additional written consent.
4. UHOH may decline or discontinue treatment where clinically justified or legally necessary.

For minors, consent must be given by a parent or legal guardian in accordance with Nigerian law.

6. Appointments, Cancellations & Non-Attendance

Patients must:

1. Attend all scheduled appointments on time
2. Give at least 24-48 hours' notice if cancelling or rescheduling.

Consequences of non-attendance may include:

1. Cancellation fees
2. Suspension of future appointments
3. Removal from therapy programmes (where appropriate)

Repeated missed appointments may disrupt clinical continuity and affect eligibility for treatment.

7. Fees, Billing & Payments

7.1 Payment Requirements

To access paid services, you may be required to provide:

1. Valid card or payment details
2. Billing information
3. HMO or insurance information (where applicable)
4. Any other required financial data

You confirm that all information supplied is truthful and authorised for use.

7.2 Billing

We may bill for:

1. Consultations
2. Therapy sessions
3. Psychological testing
4. Medication reviews
5. Inpatient accommodation
6. Medical reports or administrative letters

7.3 Payment Terms

We may bill for:

1. Fees are due immediately unless otherwise agreed.
2. Outstanding fees may result in delayed or suspended non-urgent care.
3. We reserve the right to apply late-payment fees (FCCPA 2018 compliant).

7.4 Insurance / HMO

You are responsible for:

1. Confirming coverage with your insurer or HMO
2. Obtaining pre-authorisation where required
3. Paying any shortfall or rejected claims

UHOH may refuse treatment for fraudulent or misleading financial information.

8. Confidentiality, Clinical Records & Data Protection

We comply with:

1. Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023
2. National Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)
3. National Mental Health Act 2021 confidentiality provisions

Your personal and medical data will only be shared:

1. With your explicit consent
2. When required by law or court order
3. To protect your life or safety of others
4. With healthcare providers in your care
5. For payment processing or insurance claims (under strict confidentiality)

We use secure systems and authorised data processors who must comply with NDPA and NDPR

9. Safeguarding, Risk Management & Hospital Rights

Under the National Mental Health Act 2021, UHOH must take appropriate steps where:

1. You pose a risk of harm to yourself or others
2. There is evidence of severe mental health deterioration
3. Emergency intervention is clinically necessary

Actions may include:

1. Crisis Assessment
2. Contacting next-of-kin (where legally permitted)
3. Contacting law enforcement or emergency services
4. Recommending inpatient admission
5. Modify your treatment plan

UHOH may refuse or discontinue Services if your behaviour endangers staff, patients, or facility operations.

10. Use of Hospital Facilities

You must adhere to all rules relating to:

1. Conduct within the facility
2. Respect for staff and other patients
3. Prohibition of weapons, illicit substances, or dangerous items
4. Medication management protocols
5. Use of impatient rooms and communal areas

UHOH reserves the right to remove any individual who violates these rules.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted under Nigerian law, UHOH is not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages. No specific outcome is guaranteed, and treatment is provided based on professional judgement and available information. This clause does not exclude liability for gross negligence; fraud, misrepresentation, or wilful misconduct; any liability that cannot legally be excluded under Nigerian law.

12. Suspension or Termination of Services

We may suspend or terminate your access to Services where:

1. Fees are unpaid
2. You breach facility rules or these Terms
3. Clinical or safety concerns justify suspension
4. Fraud, abuse, or inappropriate conduct is identified
5. You provide false registration or insurance information

We may also withdraw services due to operational or legal requirements.

13. Changes to Terms

We modify these Terms at any time, as permitted under the FCCPA and general contract principles under Nigerian law. Updated Terms will take effect once posted or communicated. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.

14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes shall be resolved:

1. First through internal complaints procedures
2. Then through mediation or arbitration (where agreed)
3. Finally, through competent Nigerian courts where necessary

15. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

For questions regarding these Terms, clinical policies, or patient rights, please contact: