Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) Policy - Dudley Primary Care ...

8. Summary
• There are no rules about who should or should not be resuscitated. The
Healthcare team must consider every case individually in collaboration
with the patient and their carer(s).
• The use of a ‘blanket policy’ for who should or should not be resuscitated
is illegal and is contrary to the professional duty of the Trust’s staff, who
are expected to act in the best interests of the individual patient at all
times.
• Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the law in relation to
decision making for different groups including adults with mental capacity
to make decisions about their treatment.
• It is important to note that an adult’s relatives/carers have no legal right to
give or withhold consent for resuscitation, unless they have been given
Lasting Power of Attorney for Health Decisions by the patient/client.
However, their views must be sought whenever possible and taken into
account before a decision is made.
• Where there is concern or confusion about resuscitation, the offer of a
second opinion by an appropriate specialist should be made available to
the patient or relatives/carers. Until such a decision has been reached the
situation should be treated as that of an “emergency situation”.
References
British Medical Association, Resuscitation Council (UK) and the Royal College
of Nursing (2007) Decisions relating to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. (The
revised joint statement)
Mental Capacity Act (2005) The Lasting Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers
of Attorney and Public Guardian Regulations.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2000) Resuscitation – Do not resuscitate
orders position statement NMC.
Resuscitation Guidelines (2005) Resuscitation Council (UK) London.
Withholding and withdrawing Life Sustaining Treatment- Guidance for doctors.
(2006) Good Medical Practice.
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