Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee is an advisory group that reviews, on request, ethical or moral questions that may come up during a patient's care. Committee members include doctors, nurses, social workers, a chaplain, a medical ethics professional, and a member of the community.

Overview of the Responsibilities of the Hospital Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee acts as patient advocate on bioethical issues. The committee also addresses, in an advisory capacity, ethical dilemmas presented from groups within the Hospital and outpatient clinics associated with Saints Medical Center.  The Committee develops and recommends hospital and other clinical policies and guidelines that define ethical principles for conduct within the hospital according to The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services. Upon request, the committee provides advisory consultation and review in cases where ethical dilemmas are perceived by the patient/patient's family, surrogate, the physician/medical team, or other hospital or clinic staff. The primary responsibility is to encourage dialogue, educate, identify issues, offer viable alternative courses of action, seek supplemental resources, and encourage problem resolution at the physician/patient level. The committee also establishes forums for the discussion of ethical concerns and educates hospital and clinic personnel, patients, and their families about hospital policies regarding ethical issues.

All consultations are confidential and may be requested by contacting the Ethics Consultation Service at 978-934-8416 or 978-888-7887 or by informing the Administrative Supervisor. This service is available at no charge.