Ethics Clinical Consult Service

Process

The ethics consult service is comprised of the director of the consult service and a team of experienced HEC members who volunteer their time to help patients, family, and staff resolve ethical issues related to patient care. When a consult is requested, a team member will contact the person who requested the consult to discuss the concern or need, and notify the attending physician and nurse manager of the consult. This consultant will also talk with members of the care team and with the patient (or family representative), as needed, to fully explore the issue and to offer recommendations. Sometimes this consultation process will involve other hospital services, or joint meetings with the patient and members of the health care team. When the ethics consultation has concluded, the patient (or family representative) and/or health care team may use our recommendations in the ways that they think best meet the patient’s needs and respects his or her preferences for medical care.

Policy

The clinical ethics consultation service is available to anyone caring for the patient who wishes to request an ethics consult. Patients or family members may also request a consult. Ethics consultation is without charge and available on business days (Monday through Friday).

Contact

To contact us, call our ethics line at (919) 843-1470, or hospital employees may use the request form available here.  (Intranet-only)

Because we are a volunteer service, we cannot promise an immediate response to an emergency request. However, we will try to contact you before the end of the next business day.