Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee at Emerson Hospital offers confidential consultations to patients and their families on matters which may involve ethical concerns such as end of life care, consent for medical interventions when the patient is unable to participate in the discussion, or decisions to discontinue treatment. The role of the Committee is to advise and help clarify medical situations with uncertainty or conflict, societal values, and moral or legal issues.

The Committee is a group of physicians, nurses, social workers, hospital chaplain, administrators and community ethicist who meet on a regular basis at Emerson Hospital.

Any patient, family member or caregiver may request a consultation with the Ethics Committee by asking a hospital nurse, physician, chaplain or social worker or by calling the Patient Care Coordinator at 978-369-1400. This service is available at no charge.