Human rights stopping blanket use of Do Not Resuscitate Orders

An older man with dementia was admitted to hospital. He was placed on a ward in which every patient had a ‘do not resuscitate’ order placed on their file.

His advocate came to visit him and noticed the DNR, which wasn’t signed by a doctor. She queried it and was told that everyone on the ward had a DNR automatically.

The client was not aware of the DNR and his advocate believed him to have some level of capacity to take the information on board. In addition he had two estranged daughters who had visited but were not consulted or informed. She challenged this using the right to life and the right not to be discriminated against.

The DNR was withdrawn.

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POhWER is an independent advocacy agency. POhWER provides Generic advocacy, including non-instructed advocacy in Hertfordshire, Independant Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) in the East of England, West Midlands and London regions and Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) services in 10 areas across London, East of England, West and East Midlands. PoHWER's mission is to give power to your voice.

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