The primary goal of ethics consultation should be to provide effective assistance to patients and families in obtaining care that is duly responsive to their rights and their needs. The consultation reported by Mark Bliton fails in this regard because it never ascertains why the consultation was called; makes little attempt to ascertain the motives of those involved; avoids exploration of the ethical concerns of family, attending or staff; makes no connection with institutional policies or practices; uncritically adopts and serves the medical treatment ethos; and substitutes fellowfeeling for compassionate action.