Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Kamall on 31 January (HL5607), how many do not resuscitate notices have been issued when a patient and their family have said they do not agree to such an order.

The Department established a Ministerial Oversight Group to ensure consistent adherence to guidance on how Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPRs) are used. The National Health Service provides online guidance and information for the public on DNACPR decisions, including information on asking for a second opinion or a review and if there are concerns about, or disagreement with, a DNACPR form in a patient’s or family member’s medical records. The Care Quality Commission continues to ensure providers understand their responsibilities if allegations of inappropriate application of DNACPR decisions are brought to their attention, as well as raising cases with the relevant bodies including the General Medical Council as appropriate.

The Department does not record how many DNACPR decisions are in place or whether there is agreement with those decisions, nor do we collect comparative data showing the proportion of DNACPR decisions in comparison to hospital admissions.