How can the Ethics committee help you?

When difficult decisions arise, a consult team from the Ethics Committee is available to help patients, families and caregivers examine the ethical aspects of their choices. This team provides support, outlines options and helps you and the health care team make a decision. 

Some examples of ethical concerns include:

• Issues of confidentiality and patient privacy
• Appropriate levels of medical treatment or intervention
• When and how issues around death and dying should be addressed
• Patient autonomy and informed consent
• Clarification of policy issues and concerns

Who makes up the Ethics Committee?

Yvette Rutherford, Regional Director, Patient Care Quality Officer, Northern Health is the Chair of the Ethics Committee.  Members of the Ethics Committee represent the community and various professions.  They include clergy, dietitians, doctors, ethicists, lawyers, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other interested members of the community. Members serve a two year term and can fill out an application form for appointment.

Who can access the Ethics Committee?

Any patient, family member or health care provider may seek help from the Ethics Committee. No referral is necessary. All consultations are confidential.

How do I access the Ethics Committee?

Applications for individual case reviews and applications for policy and/or issue reviews are available here.  They can also be obtained from the administration office of the health services delivery area (HSDA) nearest you.

Completed applications can be sent by fax or post to the appropriate address to the right.