Information for families

The Clinical Ethics Service offers a forum for discussion, predominantly for clinical staff both within and outside the Trust, in regards to complex and challenging decision making in paediatrics.The full committee meets monthly, whereas a rapid response can occur in a shorter period of time.

It is important for families to know that the Clinical Ethics Service cannot, and does not, make decisions about the care of any children whose cases are reviewed, but rather advises clinical staff in regards to medical ethics, complex decision-making and thereby helps clinicians, children and families in these difficult areas.

More recently the opportunity for families to attend either full, or sub-committees has been explored, with positive feedback from those who have attended.

With rapid responses it is usual for the families and occasionally children to meet those members of the committee attending.

All wards in Great Ormond Street Hospital, as well as outpatients and any other Trust with paediatric ethical issues are welcome to contact us for a consultation.