Do dying patients with advance directives receive the same care as other hospital patients?
A. Yes. Each patient is given the same quality care regardless of whether or not an advance directive exists. Every effort is made to keep all patients comfortable during their final hours or days. Our patients are given the medical and nursing care they need to ease suffering and the dying process. Our chaplains, social service staff and nurses are always ready to discuss any questions or concerns with you and your family. Q. What happens when someone with an advance directive is rushed to the emergency room with a life-threatening emergency? A. People with an unexpected medical emergency don’t often arrive at the emergency room carrying an advance directive. Also, it is sometimes difficult for ER doctors and staff to know if the sick or injured person has a valid advance directive or whether it applies at that moment. For example, it takes two doctors, and perhaps some tests and time, to determine if a patient has a terminal condition or is permanently unconscious. In addition, surro
