Requesting a Meeting with the Ethics Committee

Most people want to do the right thing​. However, sometimes you can feel that you’re being pulled in opposite directions by different values, beliefs or duties. In such cases, you may benefit from a meeting with the Ethics Committee. Anyone may request a meeting. They are a resource for patients, residents and clients, staff and health-care practitioners. You do not need to ask anyone for permission to contact the Ethics Committee. Simply email or phone the chair of your Local Ethics Committee.​

What to expect from the meeting

Once you have contacted the Chair of the Committee, you will be asked to provide as much detail as possible about the event(s). You can do this in person or by telephone.

Please let us know if you wish to remain anonymous.

After hearing from you, the ethics committee will discuss your situation.  If possible, you may also attend the meeting. After the meeting, you will receive a written summary of their recommendations and the reasons for them.  If your issue is urgent or complex, it may go to the SHA’s Director of Ethics or an SHA ethicist.

Confidentiality

All SHA Ethics Committees follow our policy on the use and release of personal health information. A written record of each meeting will be made and saved in a private place. This is to ensure that information is shared only with people who need to be included.