‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders being imposed on British elderly, infirm

September 14, 2012

William Oddie of the Catholic Herald reports that there is widespread evidence that DNR (“do not resuscitate”) orders are being imposed on elderly or disabled patients at health-care facilities, without the patients’ knowledge or approval.

An investigation by the Care Quality Commission found that DNR orders are “routinely” placed for elderly hospital patients, without consultation with the patients or their family members, Oddie writes. He asks why government officials have not taken steps to curb this obvious abuse.

 

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Further information:

• The number of ‘do not resuscitate’ (DNR) notices being imposed without consultation is now a national scandal. (Catholic Herald