The Bermuda Hospitals Board officially launched their Ethics Committee last week to tackle ethical issues at the Island?s hospitals.

The committee will be holding three sessions for invited staff and partners this week, as well as a symposium on ?Ethics Consultation ? the Process? in early July. The general public will be invited to open sessions over the next few months.

Though the committee has existed for two years, it waited to receive more formal training before introducing itself to Bermuda?s hospital community.

?As a result of rapid advances in technology and constant new treatment options, we are faced with decisions that may pose ethical dilemmas for patients, families and healthcare professionals,? co-chair Dr. Elaine Campbell said. ?This is a reality for every hospital and healthcare organisation in the world.?

The second chair of the committee, Dr. Roslyn Bascombe-Adams, added: ?The role of our committee is to weigh the facts, protect patients? rights, guide the BHB staff where needed and provide medico-legal support where indicated.?

The committee is formed of healthcare professionals as well as representatives from other community stakeholders such as churches and social workers.