Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Orders: Guidelines

21 July 2021 · 2 other contributors · 2,696 words

Opened by Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

Responding minister: Nadine Dorries

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Martin Vickers raised concerns about do not attempt resuscitation orders: guidelines in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the overuse of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders during the covid-19 pandemic, involving potential breaches of individuals' human rights.
  • The Minister was asked to provide details on the work of the ministerial oversight group established to follow through on Care Quality Commission (CQC) recommendations regarding DNACPR orders.
  • The Minister was urged to ensure that decisions on DNACPR orders are made only after discussions with patients or their next of kin.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to provide more details about the work of the ministerial oversight group established to follow through on Care Quality Commission (CQC) recommendations and to confirm that the Government is thinking about including health and social care providers, local government, and voluntary organizations in this group. I also urge the Minister to take action to ensure that decisions regarding DNACPR orders are made only after discussions with patients or their next of kin.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

I am concerned about the overuse of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic. There are reports that almost 10% of DNACPR decisions were made and communicated inappropriately, involving potential breaches of individuals' human rights. I have heard deeply saddening stories from constituents who feel pressured into signing these orders against their will or face blanket use without consent. Such practices can lead to distressing cases where patients are denied vital medical treatment or do not receive the care they need.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Congratulates the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward the issue of DNAR orders, highlighting over 500 cases where human rights may have been violated during the first wave of the pandemic. Emphasises that full protocol must be followed and next of kin should not be ignored.

  • David Amess

    Congratulates his hon. Friend on securing the debate, expressing concern about DNAR discussions with friends or relatives being handled carefully to avoid shocks. Mentions a colleague's husband had a DNAR order placed without express consent.

Government Response

Nadine Dorries

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Bardell. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) for bringing this extremely important topic to our attention. The issue of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Orders (DNACPRs) is highly emotive and requires compassionate and meaningful conversations that fully consider patients' wishes. There are joint guidance documents from the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK, and the Royal College of Nursing, reflecting that DNACPR agreements should involve the patient or their families where applicable. The Department has reinforced clear messages around DNACPR decisions in its adult social care winter plan and through ministerial oversight groups to address issues highlighted during the pandemic, such as inappropriate application of DNACPRs. A Care Quality Commission review was commissioned in October 2020 to assess how DNACPR decisions were being made at the start of the pandemic, which identified areas for improvement including better information, training, and support for health and care professionals to hold good conversations. The ministerial oversight group has a shared commitment to improve DNACPR order use, with ongoing work on knowledge and understanding of these issues. NHS England has published public-facing guidance on DNACPR decisions and provided resources for people who are concerned about such decisions.

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