As health-care dilemmas continue to affect physicians, from neonatal to geriatric specialists, an increasing number of hospitals are forming ethics committees to sort through the complexities. Most hospitals in Lake County have ethics committees, which usually consist of 10 to 20 people. The groups generally meet once a month to discuss ethical issues and to help hospital staff members, patients and their families.
”Sometimes we meet with a physician or a family or a nurse. Sometimes they say, `I just need a sense of direction. I need to work through this problem. Would you help?` ” said Dr. Avram Kraft, a surgeon and chairman of the ethics committee at Highland Park Hospital. ”We provide a listening ear, an open door for communication. But we don`t make decisions for people and we`re not making judgments. Our hope is to facilitate in some way.”
Suzan Eckstein, manager of the social services department at Highland Park Hospital and a member of the committee, agreed and added that sometimes those who seek help simply need support.
”I think they are saying, `Don`t judge me, but guide me,` ” Eckstein said. ”They are saying, `When I make decisions, then let me know that those are okay for me.` ”
Like other committees, Highland Park Hospital`s is composed of physicians, nurses, administrative representatives, social workers and clergy from the hospital. It also includes representatives from the community.
Although the Highland Park group, which has about 20 members, meets early in the morning (7 to 8:30 a.m.), Kraft said the turnout is excellent. In fact, he said there is a waiting list of people interested in serving on the committee.
”It`s nice to have that kind of reputation in the hospital, and I think it`s a reflection of how people feel this is a need. What we have is a dynamic group of people trying to deal with relevant issues in health care delivery that have a ripple effect in the community,” Kraft said.”
