Although most ethical concerns are resolved in discussions involving patients, families and caregivers, Emerson Hospital, like many hospitals today, provides an Ethics Committee.
The Ethics Committee offers confidential consultations to patients and their families on matters that may involve ethical concerns such as end of life care, consent for medical interventions when the patient is unable to participate in the discussion or decisions to discontinue treatment. The role of the committee is to provide support and counsel to those responsible for treatment decisions including health care providers, patients, health care proxys and members of the patient’s family. The purpose of the Committee is to advise and help clarify medical situations with uncertainty or conflict.
The Committee is an interdisciplinary team which includes physicians, nurses, social workers, hospital chaplain, and community members who meet on a regular basis at Emerson Hospital.
Any patient, family member or caregiver may request a consultation with the Ethics Committee by asking a hospital nurse, physician, chaplain or social worker or by calling the Care Management Department at 978-287-3170 Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This service is available at no charge.
