Inquiry into ‘do not resuscitate’ orders starts

THE care watchdog has started an urgent inquiry into allegations that blanket ‘do not resuscitate’ orders were imposed on elderly patients during lockdown.

The review of the use of the DNR notices at care homes, hospitals and in primary care was already moving ‘at pace’, said the Care Quality Commission.

It follows concerns about poor and unlawful practice early in the pandemic with reports that some GPs had applied the orders to groups of care home residents, stopping them from going to hospital.

Health leaders in England wrote to doctors on April 7 reminding them that blanket policies were inappropriate.

Compassion In Dying had called for the investigation, which was announced by Health Minister Lord Bethell in the Lords.

The charity said calls to its helpline about the issue had doubled since August.

Director Usha Grieve said: ‘DNRs have proliferated under a lack of clear, national guidance. This has had devastating effects on patients and families.’

Fiona Carragher, director of research and influencing at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘It’s appalling to hear a blanket DNR approach was ever taken. It’s vital the CQC investigation ensures this never happens again.’

Dr Rosie Benneyworth, of the commission, said: ‘We welcome this commission from the Department of Health and are taking it forward at pace.

‘This builds on the concerns we reported earlier in the year and we are pleased that they are being given closer attention.

‘We have been clear that it is unacceptable for advance care plans to be applied to groups of people of any description. These decisions must continue to be made on an individual basis according to need.’