At the Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA), we believe that quality healthcare goes beyond medical treatment—it’s about our commitment to ethical healthcare practices and ensuring that every decision is made with people-centered care at the forefront. Our care at the MHA must align with the values of those we care for – our patients and families.
Our MHA Ethics Program acts as a guide for us to engage and collaboratively make thoughtful and compassionate decisions with our patients and families when things get complicated. Our mission is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors is cared for in the way that best aligns with their values and “To provide the healthcare that we would expect for our own families”.
To strengthen our decision-making and communication, we use the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) Ethical Decision-Making Framework. This systematic approach ensures that for sensitive ethical issues, moral considerations are integrated into the decision-making processes. Concerns are communicated clearly and concisely, allowing everyone involved, including health care professionals, an Ethicist, patients, and families, to resolve issues effectively and collaboratively.
Our Ethics Program goes beyond guidelines; it’s an active part of daily healthcare delivery at all levels of the MHA, from front-line to the Board of Directors. We apply ethics in many areas of our work such as reviewing patient cases and providing consultations, hosting educational sessions, developing and reviewing organizational policies, planning services and resources, and in the various research activities we participate in.
If you are an MHA patient or family member dealing with a moral healthcare issue, please contact the department manager or email ethics@mha.tvh.ca.