Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to instruct all care homes to ensure any Do Not Attempt CPR orders imposed since 1 March on any of their residents’ files are reviewed immediately, in consultation with residents or their representatives.

The Department has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to review how Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions were used during the COVID-19 pandemic, building on concerns that the CQC reported earlier in the year. Interim findings are expected to be reported later this year with a final report in early 2021.

Until the review reports its findings in early 2021, we will continue to work across the health and care system to address the issue. The Adult Social Care Winter Plan reiterates that DNACPR decisions should only ever be made on an individual basis and should be led by the clinical team. All health professionals nationally are expected to follow the clear statements on the use of individual DNACPR orders.