What is bioethics?
Bioethics is concerned with the moral values (what is good and what is not) that impact our increasingly complex health-care environment. Some of the concerns of bioethics include:
- Who makes decisions for persons who may not be capable of making their own?
- What is in the best interests of a person?
- Clarifying the goals of care
- Decisions near end-of-life
- Understanding the risks associated with care and treatment
- Implementing new technologies
- When and how young persons may be able to participate in or make their own health-care decisions
The Bioethics Consultation Service can help patients, families and health-care professionals work through difficult issues and provide guidance in making decisions. Bioethics consultation takes account of ethical frameworks, legal duties, social conditions and ensuring a respectful space for everyone involved to be heard. Ultimately, decisions about health care rest with patients, their family or legal guardians, and their health-care team.
Who can request a consultation?
Any person directly involved in a patient situation: the patient and family, physicians, nurses and any other CHEO personnel who are part of the circle of care.
How do I request a consultation?
Patients and families may contact the Bioethics Consultation Service by email or telephone:
613-737-7600 ext. 3689
Patients and families may also ask their health-care provider for assistance.