DNACPR Decisions

(asked on 12th April 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what NHS England's policy and guidelines are on applying Do Not Resuscitate orders to patients; and what specific factors are taken into account when applying such an order.


Answered by
Nadine Dorries Portrait
Nadine Dorries
This question was answered on 29th April 2021

NHS England and NHS Improvement clinical leaders have emphasised to health and care providers that Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions should only ever be made on an individual basis. The Department remains clear that inappropriate or blanket application of DNACPR decisions is unacceptable, whether due to medical condition, disability or age.

Joint guidance for clinicians from the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK and Royal College of Nursing reflects that agreement to a DNACPR order is an individual decision and should involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians or other legally recognised advocates.

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