Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department provides to ensure consistency and oversight in the use of Do Not Resuscitate orders.

A Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision is made on an individual, on a person by person basis, and should, wherever possible, involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates. Professional guidance on cardiopulmonary resuscitation is provided by clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, The Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing, to support consistent decision-making, and reflect these principles.

In 2021, the Department established a Ministerial Oversight Group, responsible for the delivery and required changes to ensure adherence to guidance across the system about how DNACPRs are used. As part of this work, a set of Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning were jointly published in March 2022 by a coalition of partner organisations across health and social care. The principles can be applied in all settings to provide safeguards and support people and their families, and professionals share the same understanding and expectations for DNACPR decisions.

NHS England has also published patient-facing information on DNACPRs and where to get support if they are concerned about a DNACPR. This information can be found at the NHS.UK website.

The Care Quality Commission continues to take action to ensure providers understand their responsibilities if allegations of inappropriate application of DNACPR decisions are brought to their attention, as well as raising cases with the relevant bodies, including the General Medical Council, as appropriate.