Bioethics at Cottage Health - Respecting the Rights, Values and Dignity of All

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

Bioethics is a term used to describe how decisions are made in ethical questions relating to medical care. Viewpoints and concerns are considered from the patient, family, medical team and spiritual advisors to help resolve complicated issues and ensure hospital policies are ethical, individuals involved are well-informed, and all practices meet the highest standards of professionalism and compassionate care.

Navigating Care Decisions

Cottage Health provides top-tier, nationally ranked medical care with excellence, integrity and compassion. Sometimes, even with the most advanced health care, a situation or concern can arise where there is no simple resolution. That is why Cottage established the Bioethics Committee to help patients, families and the healthcare team carefully weigh options and choose the one best-suited for a particular case.

Cottage Bioethics Committee

Comprised of doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy and community members, the Bioethics Committee’s role is not to decide for someone, but rather to help offer information with care, open communication and respect for patients and their families. The co-chairs of the committee are:

Eric Grossman, MDEric Grossman, MD trained at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, and has numerous publications on medical and surgical ethics.

Pam WashburnRev. Dr. Pam Washburn, DMin, BCCC, Director, CPT Training Supervisor Spiritual Care & Interpreter Services Cottage Health

When a Bioethics Consultation May Be Needed

Common bioethics questions asked of patients, families, caregivers and staff include:

  • Is the patient able to share in the decision making?
  • Does the patient have an Advance Health Care Directive?
  • Is the Advance Directive understood by the patient and family or caregiver?
  • When is it justifiable to either continue or discontinue life-sustaining treatment?
  • Is there a time when the patient, family, or caregiver can refuse treatment?
  • What level of pain medication is appropriate, and is there a time when it’s not appropriate?
  • How can it be determined when treatment is no longer of benefit?
  • What if family members and health care professionals have different opinions about treatment options?

Submitting a Bioethics Request

Cottage Health is committed to helping patients, families and caregivers navigate difficult questions about their care. For a bioethics consult, please contact:

The Cottage bioethics consult service is listed on the AMiON directory.