In this section
In 2006 the RCH published its policy / guideline on Withholding and Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Medical Treatment (WWLSMT). This page contains links to the guideline and a range of resources that may be relevant to clinicians managing children in this situation.
Extensive consultation with RCH hospital staff (including a clinician survey and an audit of current documentation practices in the hospital) revealed a need for a form to document the outcomes of discussions with families regarding WWLSMT in a unified and structured format. The completed forms will be filed at the front of the patient's current medical record behind the 'essential particulars' form. The forms will soon be available in all relevant clinical areas. A sample of the newly developed form is linked and this will soon be interactive so you can click on the area of interest for more information.
Clinical staff also expressed interest in specific communication resources and skills training. There are some useful links below and we are currently looking into skills training options for the future.
The Children's Bioethics Centre was launched on August 12th 2008. It will fulfill a number of roles, covering clinical liaison, education and research. The services available include current case consultation, facilitated case review, facilitated group discussions, review of policy issues and education sessions. Any RCH staff member can request a clinical ethics consultation or discussion. The Ethics service aims to provide urgent advice regarding imminent clinical decisions within a 24 hour period.