Council on Aging

Subject:  Health Care decisions panel

Fairview Hospital's Ethics Committee will host a special panel to address the topic of healthcare decision making. Healthcare and legal experts will discuss Making Your Healthcare Wishes Known on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m. at Fairview Hospital. The program will take place outdoors under a tent next to the Doctor's Office Building adjacent to the hospital, at 29 Lewis Ave. in Great Barrington.

Having health care conversations and making healthcare decisions before they are needed help individuals maintain control and have their wishes honored. The discussion will focus on contemplating decision making and helping instill control ahead of time.

Topics included in the program are: Healthcare proxy rules and the importance of advance directives, MOLST and POLST orders, maintaining control at the end of life, obligations of local emergency medical technicians and ambulances when 911 is called, and emergency room and healthcare decision making tips. Panelists participating include: Eric Bush, MD (East Mountain Medical), Paula Almgren, Esq. (Almgren Law Group), Marsha Moquin, LICSW (case manager, Fairview Hospital), Steven Tracy, MD (emergency room, Fairview Hospital), and Meredyth Cooper (Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Quad).

Pre-registration, social distancing, and masks are required. Please contact Jennifer Knysh at 413-854-9638 to reserve. Parking is available in the main parking area at Fairview Hospital.

Thea Basis,  Your COA