Family in safeguard call on resuscitation orders

Plea for immediate review amid concerns over policy for vulnerable patients

The family of a sick and delirious Dundee pensioner who was given a do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation form say all such “agreements” should be reviewed immediately.

Catriona Black discovered the document “stuffed in a bag” when her mother was discharged from Ninewells Hospital in May, following a 12-day stay.

After speaking out about the incident, which she said left her mother “very distressed”, it emerged many other elderly patients across the country had faced similar pressure to sign forms.

Ms Black said all patients in Scotland with the orders – commonly referred to as DNR (do not resuscitate) – on their medical file should be contacted.

“Many don’t know as they lack advocacy and capacity. These people should be able to revisit them,” she said.

“I would like to see safeguards put in place for every OAP and disabled person to prevent them being treated as second class.

Ms Black’s sister has power of attorney for her mother but was never informed of the order, which means a patient agrees no CPR should be performed if their cardiac or respiratory functions cease.

Ms Black said neither her mother or sister signed the order, officially termed DNACPR, and questioned whether an unsigned form is actionable.

“No one is prepared to answer that question it seems,” she said.

“The whole matter needs to be completely independently investigated and safeguards need to be put into place to prevent future exploitation of elderly, weak and vulnerable members of our community as well as disabled who have the same problems.”

Equalities Minister Christina Mckelvie last week told MSPS she “doesn’t know” why the Scotland-wide issue arose in the first place.

She suggested some doctors had “panicked” in the early stages of the pandemic, amid fears services could be overwhelmed.

Ms Black, however, said DNRS have been an issue since 2012 and the incident

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I would like to see safeguards put in place for every OAP and disabled person. CATRIONA BLACK

with her mother occurred almost two months into lockdown.

North East Scottish Conservative MSP Bill Bowman said it must have been “distressing” and he fears there are likely to be many more examples not made public.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “We have spoken with the family and apologised for any distress caused.

“We have also written to the patient to apologise again and have offered to meet with her and her family so they have the opportunity to discuss any concerns and ask any questions.

“We carried out a review following this incident and a meeting has been held with staff to ensure learning is shared.

“NHS Tayside has a robust cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) policy in place which is in line with national CPR guidelines. The policy has been highlighted to our staff to ensure it is appropriately used in all cases.”

The Scottish Government was approached for comment.