During this current Covid-19 pandemic, we have been made aware of recent instances in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight where Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders have been applied to groups of people. It remains clear that “blanket” DNACPR orders to groups of patients should be considered unethical, in that they fail to uphold the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned.
This alert has been produced to remind all healthcare professionals of the importance of planning DNACPR orders with individual patients, following the correct decision making process.