Healthcare is currently on the forefront of people’s minds for many different reasons. As loved ones age, receive treatment for illness or fall victim to injury, difficult decisions are often left to friends and relatives. At South Shore Hospital (SSH) in Weymouth, the Ethics Committee was formed to help guide people during conflicted times, in addition to “encouraging moral dialogue.” Duxbury resident Rosemary Phalen, a veteran nurse and mother of three, is a community representative on the Ethics Committee and is dedicated to spreading her knowledge regarding medical ethics issues. We recently discussed with her the importance of being one’s own advocate when it comes to personal health and discovered a bit more about the Ethics Committee’s mission. How did you become involved with the Ethics Committee at South Shore Hospital?

In 2009, I became involved with the South Shore Hospital Ethics Committee (SSHEC). I felt that I could contribute as a community representative. The committee has two community representatives, which is fairly typical of most Ethics Committees offering family-centered care. The committee is made up of SSH doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and pharmacists, as well as an ethics consultant from Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

What is your professional background?

I received my RN from Mt. Auburn Hospital Cambridge, BSN from Boston College and MSN from the University of Massachusetts. I’ve worked in many hospital/community settings. In 2000, I developed a program for Early Pregnancy Loss, assisting medical professionals in caring for many couples who experience this type of loss. I’m passionate about providing access to consumer-oriented, high quality medical care to all without exception.

Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse?

I’ve been a nurse for 40 years; I decided nursing was my calling after volunteering at a hospital as a candy striper at twelve.

How often does the committee meet and what is its mission?

The committee meets monthly and its mission is to “encourage moral dialogue throughout the institution.” Therefore, it has three functions:

1. Consultation Service: provides in-patient consultation around optimal care for difficult cases such as end of life issues.

2. Staff Education: experts provide education and resources concerning the latest approaches to optimum care in difficult situations.

3. Community Outreach/Education: it is a priority of the SSHEC to initiate a discussion in SSH’s service area concerning the importance of Advance Directives and completion of a Health Care Proxy for everyone over the age of 18.

Is there any one specific issue you’re passionate about and want others to learn about?

Spreading the word that all adults should name someone who has the legal authority to speak for them if they’re unable to express their wishes. Many of the cases brought to the SSHEC concern patients who are unable to voice their wishes for care. Those agonizing decisions are then left to grieving family members who wonder what would s/he really want. The Massachusetts Healthcare Proxy Form is legally binding and can be changed at any time. These forms are available from all primary care doctors, as well as at SSH. Also, a representative from SSH’s Ethics Committee will be offering Health Care Proxy information sessions this spring at local Councils on Aging.

How long have you lived in Duxbury?

My husband Jim and I have been blessed to live in beautiful Duxbury for 38 years. We’ve raised three children and welcomed a new granddaughter to Duxbury as well.

Favorite place in Duxbury?

My favorite place in Duxbury is watching the sunset over Kingston Bay from my deck.

Where can we find you on a Saturday morning?

Walking my granddaughter Ava around Powder Point!