Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to conduct an inquiry into the use of Do Not Resuscitate orders in care homes for (1) elderly people, and (2) people with learning or cognitive disabilities, during the COVID-19 pandemic; whether NHS England and NHS Improvement plan to publish national guidance on the use of such orders; and if so, when such guidance will be published.

The Department has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to review how Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions were used during the coronavirus pandemic, building on concerns that the CQC reported earlier in the year. Interim findings are expected to be reported later this year with a final report in early 2021.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are working on revised, patient-facing guidance on DNACPRs and where to get support. The guidance will be published shortly following consultation with key stakeholders and people with lived experience.