Ethics Week provides an opportunity for health professionals, organizations, and the public to discuss ethical issues in healthcare.

Together, we can explore how ethical principles guide decision-making and promote the well-being of individuals and communities. Let’s reflect on the importance of fairness, justice, and respect in health care! 💙

How can individuals participate in National Health Ethics Week

1. Attend events: Look for educational events, presentations, workshops, or discussions hosted by health institutions, universities, ethics committees, or community organizations in your area. Some events may also be available via live streaming.
2. Host an event: Organize your event like a lunchtime discussion group, presentation, or workshop on a health topic that interests you.
3. Raise awareness: Display National Health Ethics Week posters or distribute informational materials in your workplace or community.
4. Engage in dialogue: Start conversations with colleagues, friends, or family about your community’s current health ethics issues.
5. Learn more: Research and educate yourself on health principles, issues, and resources.
6. Reflect: Examine your ethical practices and those of your organization, considering areas for improvement.
7. Register an event: If you’re hosting an event, register it with the Canadian Bioethics Society to have it listed on their website.
8. Participate virtually: Look for online events, webinars, or discussions you can join remotely.
9. Share on social media: Post about National Health Ethics Week and health topics on your social media platforms to spread awareness.
10. Connect with ethics professionals: Reach out to local ethics committees or bioethics organizations to learn more about their work and how you can get involved.

Learn how ESS promotes Ethics. 

 

What Does the ESS Ethics Committee Do?

The ESS Ethics Committee is involved in:

• Supporting training and education for staff, volunteers, clients, and families.
• Policy and procedure development and reviews (as related to ethical issues).
• Reviewing and recommending requests to participate in research projects ensures the highest ethical standards are met.
• Consultation and client case reviews regarding specific ethical issues in providing care or services.
  • The purpose of consultations and case reviews is to identify and analyze ethical issues and to support decision-making.
  • A request for an ethics consult may be initiated by anyone who has an ethical concern about a particular situation (including clients and families).

The ESS Ethics Committee is not the moral police, the decision-makers, legal experts, or the only people who ‘do’ ethics (everyone has a responsibility to act ethically).

 

 

Community Ethics Network (CEN)

Their goals include:

1. Promoting quality in home health and community support sector services: CEN aims to enhance the quality of care and services provided in home and community health settings.
2. Fostering ethical practices: The network is dedicated to promoting and developing ethical standards and practices within the community health sector.
3. Providing education and resources: CEN hosts and delivers educational events on emerging ethical issues to help staff confidently handle ethical dimensions in their work.
4. Facilitating collaboration: As a network of over 50 organizations, CEN provides a platform for various stakeholders to come together, share experiences, and work collectively on ethical issues.
5. Developing ethical tools and guidelines: Past projects include the development of a Code of Ethics and a Community Ethics Toolkit, indicating CEN’s role in creating practical resources for ethical decision-making.
6. Addressing emerging ethical issues: The network focuses on identifying and addressing new ethical challenges as they arise in the community health sector.
7. Supporting member organizations: CEN serves its member organizations by providing resources, education, and a collaborative environment to navigate ethical challenges in their work.
8. Improving the overall quality of community health services: Through its various initiatives, CEN ultimately aims to enhance the quality of care and support provided to individuals in community and home health settings.