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Ethics Support

Supporting a loved one during a hospital stay can be overwhelming, especially when you have to make care decisions for someone who is seriously or critically ill. Having the right support can help ease the burden. Our Ethicist is available to guide patients and families through these challenging moments, providing support when it’s needed most.

If you’re struggling with a care decision for a loved one – or you’re concerned about who might make these decisions on your behalf – our Ethicist may be able to help.

Here are some examples of situations where the Ethicist might be helpful: 

  • My father is in the ICU on a ventilator, and my siblings and I can't agree on whether to continue treatment—what should we do? 

  • My mother has dementia and isn’t eating. Should I ask them to put in a feeding tube? 

  • Why does the doctor keep calling me about CPR for my spouse? 

  • Where can I get more information about medical assistance in dying? 

  • I have a life-limiting illness – where can I get advice on how to document my wishes for treatment?

Our Ethicist, Jonathan Breslin, is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can ask a care team member to connect you with Jonathan, or contact him directly at: 

  • Phone: 905-883-1212, ext. 7781 

  • Advance Care Planning Ontario has helpful information and resources on topics such as advance care planning, informed consent, substitute decision making and powers of attorney. 

  • See this brochure for information about making decisions on behalf of a patient (substitute decision-making).