‘A do not resuscitate’ (DNR) order, also known as a DNAR or DNACPR order in England and Wales, is a document issued and signed by a doctor, which tells a medical team not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The article in the Daily Mail which claims that “GPs offered teenage patients with autism and Down’s syndrome ‘do not resuscitate’ orders during routine appointments at the height of the Covid pandemic” is one of the most upsetting things I have read.
Two things concern me.
Are GP’s ‘persuading’ disabled young people who may not have sufficient capacity to consent to essentially being left to die should they become sick?
Secondly, is this being done as it is convenient given Health Trusts do not see disabled clients as a priority?
There is no shortage of guidance which says against this kind of approach to disabled people is not acceptable, but it seems something much, much firmer is needed!
