Ethics Committee

There may be a time when you are called upon to make a difficult decision about life-sustaining treatment—either for yourself or a family member. Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center has an Ethics Committee to help you in such circumstances.

Such a decision can often be a frightening and painful task. Yet, every patient has the right to make those decisions and to have the information needed to make them. Communication among patients, families and healthcare providers may lessen your fears and help relieve the burden that such decision-making may cause.

What is an Ethics Committee?

The Ethics Committee is a group of professional people who are prepared to listen to your case objectively and bring their collective wisdom to it. They can help get all the facts you need to make a decision and they can offer feedback and suggestions. The Ethics Committee will never make a final decision or tell you what to do. The Ethics Committee exists to help everyone involved make the best decision possible.

Who is on the Ethics Committee?

The committee is made up of physicians, nurses, the hospital chaplain, representatives from medical social work, administration and the general public. Each member has been educated in medical ethics. The committee can bring their various perspectives together to help you make a decision that is right for you and your family.

What Kinds of Cases Involve Them?

The committee can become involved in any case involving ethical dilemma with reference to a patient's care. A patient, family member, physician or nurse can bring a case to the committee. All conversations are held in strictest confidence.