In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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Ethical issues happen when delivering care in a hospital. The right thing to do might not always be clear or it could be that no single option feels right to all those involved.

This can mean that making decisions may not be about what is clinically indicated or medical possible, but what is morally right. Views about the right care or treatment can vary because of differences in perspectives and values held by health care professionals, patients and their families.

Situations where ethical issues may arise

  • Informed consent, competence and decision-making capacity
  • Organ and tissue donation
  • Termination of pregnancy
  • Care of vulnerable consumers
  • Prioritising the use of therapeutic products with limited availability
  • Treatment where there are differences of opinion about what to do
  • Withdrawal or withholding treatment
  • End of life care

Clinical Ethics Committee’s role

Our Clinical Ethics Committee supports people who are trying to decide on the ethically appropriate decision.

It provides a safe environment for health care professionals, patients and their family and carers to discuss ethical issues. Members can then help identify options and decision points and can also offer insight into how similar issues may have been managed in the past.

After talking the issue through with those involved, the committee will provide a range of comments on the ethics of the case. They will then let you know which potential courses of action are acceptable from an ethical point of view.

The advice they give does not have to be followed but people who consult the committee generally find that the process of working through the issues proves helpful in identifying a way forward in a difficult situation.

The committee only considers issues related to clinical ethics. It does not discuss concerns over the ability or availability of clinical staff or what and how many resources are available. It also does not discuss general complaints related to activities in the hospital.

Clinical Ethics Committee members

Clinical Ethics Committee members come from a range of clinical backgrounds, and includes a social worker, an ethicist, a lawyer, pastoral carer and consumer representatives.

The committee always acts independent of the case they are considering. The range of viewpoints and life experiences involved in the discussion can help health professionals, patients and relatives make better informed decisions.

Contact us

If you have a matter or issue that you would like the committee to consider contact us at cec@act.gov.au or call us on (02) 5124 0000.

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week