The NSW Ministry of Health Co-hosts clinical ethics forums with local health districts and specialty networks. Each forum explores a specific clinical ethics topic through expert presentations and discussion of case scenarios.
Please note that due the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical ethics forums have been rescheduled. The Ministry of Health will continue to work with the participating LHDs over the coming months.
Date: 27 February 2020
Co-host: Northern Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children's Hospital Network
The forum explored the ethical, legal and clinical considerations healthcare facilities must contend with in managing conflict between patients, families and clinicians. The forum with the case studies can be viewed and the more information can be found in the forum's flyer.
Date: 24 October 2019Co-host: South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Childrens Health Network
The forum discussed the increasing demand for choice in healthcare decision-making. The key note presentation with case studies can be viewed and information can be found in the forum's flyer.
Date: 19 March 2019Co-host: Western Sydney Local Health District
The forum explored various perspectives about a patient’s clinical decision making regarding pregnancies and birth plans. More information can be found in the forum’s program.
Date: 13 November 2018Co-host: Murrumbidgee Local Health District
The forum discussed ethical, legal and practical issues regarding when it is appropriate to cease or withhold treatment. More information can be found in the forum’s program.
Date: 12 September 2018Co-host: St Vincent’s Health Network
The forum highlighted the many issues arising from the application of digital technology and the ethical considerations of sharing private health information. The forum was held in conjunction with 2018 Research Week on St Vincent’s Campus. More information can be found in the forum’s program.
Date: 6 June 2017
Co-host: St Vincent's Health Network
The forum centred on the use of genomic sequencing to assist in diagnosis and treatment. More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 1 May 2017
Co-host: Murrumbidgee Local Health District
The forum explored the ethical, legal and practical issues relating to working and supporting clinicians whose behaviour may be impaired. More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 10 November 2016
Co-host: South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
The forum discussed ethical issues surrounding resource allocation in the context of scaricity through two keynote presentations, a case scenario and panel discussion. View the introduction, key note presentations and the case scenario with the panel discussion or the entire playlist. More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 18 March 2016
Co-host: Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
The forum explored ethical issues in paediatric end of life care through a mix of presentations, case scenarios and interactive panel discussions. View the introduction with key note presentations, case scenario one and case scenario two. More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 29 October 2015
Host: South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
More information can be found in the forum's program or by contacting South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
Date: 15 October 2015
Co-host: Western Sydney Local Health District
This forum discussed issues surrounding End of Life Care and the vital conversations between health professionals and patients, families and carers. View the introduction and keynote presentation, case scenario one and case scenario two. More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 22 July 2015
Co-host: Sydney Local Health District
This forum discussed the complex and challenging issues surrounding the retrieval and use of gametes (sperm or egg) from deceased donors. View keynote presentations and case studies.
This forum accompanied the release of GL2014_008: Organ Donation After Circulatory Death: NSW Guidelines. The Guideline describes the necessary requirements for health facilities to undertake organ donation after circulatory (formerly cardiac) death (DCD) in NSW.
Date: 25 March 2015
This forum centred on the meaning of vulnerability and the specific issues faced by various vulnerable patient populations and the clinicians who treat them. The forum was a mix of presentations,case studies and interactive panel discussions.
More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 16 June 2014
Host: NSW Health
View keynote presentations and case studies:
Date: 12 November 2014
Co-host: Hunter New England Local Hospital District
This forum explored issues related to the roles and ethical obligations of doctors (in particular) when interacting with the pharmaceutical industry, and as gatekeepers of health care resources. More information can be found in the forum's program.
Date: 27 September 2013
Co-host: South Easten Sydney Local Health District
This forum discussed complex issues of end of life decisions, management and advance care planning in patients. More information can be found in this forum's program.
For more information about Clinical Ethics Forums please contact moh-ocho@health.nsw.gov.au.