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Hospitals Accused of Imposing Unauthorized 'Do Not Resuscitate' Orders on Disabled Patients
15 Nov
Summary
- Hospitals placed 'Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation' (DNR) orders on disabled patients without consent
- Care Quality Commission reported blanket DNR orders caused potentially avoidable deaths
- Families had to repeatedly fight to remove unauthorized DNR orders from patients' records
According to a recent investigation, multiple UK hospitals have been placing 'Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation' (DNR) orders on disabled patients without their consent or consultation with their families. This practice has been ongoing despite being ordered to stop five years ago.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported in 2020 that the blanket imposition of DNR orders on disabled people had caused potentially avoidable deaths. NHS guidelines require medical officials to assess each case individually and consult the patient or their family before issuing a DNR order.
However, Julie Benson, whose sister Caroline has cerebral palsy and other disabilities, said she has been told 15 to 20 times that a DNR was added to her sister's records and has had to "fight" repeatedly to have it removed. Families have slammed the NHS for these unauthorized actions, which they say are denying disabled patients the life-saving care they deserve.
