Support for Difficult Care Decisions
When health care choices are difficult, the Kaleida Health Ethics Committee can help. The committee is a group of people who are prepared to listen and respond to patients, families and staff who are facing hard health care choices.
The committee’s consultation team can help when there are difficult decisions to be made or when there are disagreements about a patient’s care. Every member of the consultation team has experience helping patients, families and health care providers think about and talk through health care ethics questions.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Questions the Ethics Committee Can Help With
Use of a Feeding Tube
Talking through whether to begin, continue or stop nutrition support for a patient.
Use of a Breathing Tube
Weighing decisions about mechanical ventilation and other forms of respiratory support.
Continuing Treatment
Considering whether a treatment still serves a patient’s goals and best interests.
Discontinuing Treatment
Working through decisions to withdraw a treatment when it no longer helps.
Deciding for Others
Helping families understand how to make health care decisions when the patient cannot speak for themselves.
Resolving Disagreements
Bringing patients, families and care teams together when there are differences about a patient’s care.
Reach a Member of the Committee
For more information about the Kaleida Health Ethics Committee, call the number for the facility nearest you and ask to speak with a member of the Ethics Committee. You are also welcome to send a message through our Contact Us form.
Ethics Committee Contacts by Facility
Buffalo General Medical Center
(716) 859-5600
DeGraff Medical Park
(716) 694-4500
Gates Vascular Institute
(716) 748-2000
HighPointe on Michigan
(716) 748-3100
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
(716) 568-3600
Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo
(716) 323-2000
Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York
(716) 630-8000
Facing a Difficult Health Care Decision
You do not have to navigate a hard choice alone. Reach out to the Ethics Committee and a member of the team will listen and help.