Clinical Ethics Committee

High Quality Healthcare in Monticello

Kirby Medical Center is committed to the provision of quality, compassionate patient care in a manner that respects the values, interests, and rights of the patients (or their designees) we serve. The Clinical Ethics Committee has been established as a consultative body for the review of ethical dilemmas that may arise in the course of delivering that care.

The Committee’s purpose is to provide patients and/or their designees, family members, physicians, staff and the community at large with a mechanism for submitting and resolving ethical concerns surrounding the care of patients. Information reviewed by the Committee is held in strict confidence to the fullest extent permitted by law. Committee membership is multidisciplinary and composed of individuals – from within the hospital and the community – who demonstrate interest and openness in areas of human values and ethical healthcare concerns.

Even with a capable staff and the best technology, medical care can take unexpected turns. When a patient is incapable of making decisions it falls on the medical team to guide their care in an ethical manner that best serves the patient according to their wishes and goals. You can take certain precautionary measures to ensure decisions align with your preferences by establishing Advanced Directives. With Advanced Directives, doctors will know how you would want your care facilitated should you become unable to make your own care decisions. You can also assign a trusted loved one or friend for doctors to consult in regards to how your treatment should proceed.