Advance Directives
Many people are worried about the medical care they would be given if they
should become terminally ill, or if they suffer from an unexpected health
occurrence and become unable to communicate their wishes. That’s
why a growing number are stating their healthcare preferences in writing
through legal documents called an
advance directive. An advance directive can define the type of care that you do not want,
as well as define the type of care you would like to receive when you
are unable to make your wishes known.
If you have prepared an advance directive, please bring a copy with you
to the hospital so it can be placed in your medical record. If you do
not have an advance directive and would like assistance with preparing
one, please contact St. Joseph’s Case Management Department at 816-943-2570.
As a ministry of the Catholic Church in the United States, this facility
abides by
The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
This facility has detailed policies on the withholding and withdrawing
of life support and compliance with advance directives. St. Joseph Medical
Center also has an Ethics and Human Values Committee, which serves those
who need a forum with consultation, discussion, support and assistance
in facing choices or resolving ethical conflicts.