Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many Do Not Attempt Resuscitation decisions made since 17 March 2020 which had not been agreed in discussion with the person, their relative or carer remain in place.

The Department asked the Care Quality Commission to review how Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions were made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their report found 508 instances where a DNACPR had been put on a patient’s record that had not been agreed by the person or their families/carers. However, the report did not find evidence that inappropriate or ‘blanket’ application of DNACPR decisions was widespread.

The Department does not record or monitor DNACPRs in place but has established a Ministerial Oversight Group to monitor their use and adherence to guidance.