Ethics Consultation

What does the consultation process look like?

After receiving your ethics consult request, the ethicist, Chair or Committee will work with you to resolve the ethical concern/question. Depending on the case, it may require the team/patient/SDM’s involvement.. During the consult, the ethicist, Chair or Committee may discuss alternative methods to resolve the concern/question. After the consult, if warranted, you may receive a report which may include a set of recommendations.

For time-sensitive ethical questions, the consultation will be completed immediately. For organizational ethics concerns (eg. general practice or policy), the consultation will be done during the local Ethics Committee's monthly meeting.

Where do I go if I have an ethics question or dilemma?

Staff and physicians can contact their local ethicist, the Ethics team or their local ethics committee chairperson. You can also make a request for consultation by contacting Health 811 at 1-877-800-0002 and an operator will ask you questions about the ethical dilemma to connect you to a local ethicist who can assist you.