Gov't killing off chronically sick and elderly ???

It would seem that the high rate of death amongst the chronically sick and elderly patients back in March & April may have due to the blanket DNR being applied nationwide.



Probe launched into claims of blanket ‘Do not resuscitate’ orders

An investigation has been launched into allegations of the blanket use of “Do not resuscitate” orders in England during the early part of the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns have been raised that blanket orders were applied to some groups – such as residents in some care homes – as the NHS faced the first peak of Covid-19.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it is proceeding with the review “at pace”.

Compassion In Dying has been calling for an inquiry into the use of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) and Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity said that, since March, it has heard several reports about such orders being made for patients across a range of healthcare settings in a blanket fashion.

We have been clear that it is unacceptable for advance care plans, with or without Do Not Attempt Resuscitation form completion, to be applied to groups of people of any description

Dr Rosie Benneyworth, CQC
Health Minister Lord Bethell announced the investigation in the House of Lords on October 1.

He said: “The Department is very clear that the blanket use of DNACPR and DNR is unacceptable. An agreement to a DNACPR is an individual decision and should involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their family, carer, guardian or any other legally recognised advocate.

“I can inform the House that the Minister for Patient Safety and Mental Health will be writing to the Care Quality Commission requesting that it investigates and reports on DNACPR issues.”

Dr Rosie Benneyworth, chief inspector of primary medical services and integrated care at the CQC, said: “We welcome this commission from Department of Health and Social Care and are taking it forward at pace.

“This builds on the concerns we reported earlier in the year and we are pleased that they are being given closer attention.”

She added: “Along with partners, we have been clear that it is unacceptable for advance care plans, with or without Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) form completion, to be applied to groups of people of any description.

“These decisions must continue to be made on an individual basis according to need.

“Through this review we will look to identify and share best practice in this complex area, as well as identifying where decisions may not have been patient-centred and ensuring mistakes are not repeated.”

We've issued a joint statement on advance care planning with @TheBMA , @CPA_SocialCare and @rcgp Joint statement on advance care planning | Care Quality Commissionpic.twitter.com/0w50bsdFmR

— CQCProf (@CQCProf) April 6, 2020

Health leaders in England wrote to medics across the country on April 7 reminding them that “blanket policies are inappropriate”.

Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for the NHS in England, and Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, wrote: “Blanket policies are inappropriate, whether due to medical condition, disability, or age.

“This is particularly important in regard to ‘Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ orders, which should only ever be made on an individual basis and in consultation with the individual or their family.”

The letter followed a joint statement from the CQC, the British Medical Association, the Care Provider Alliance and the Royal College of GPs, reminding medics it is “essential” that these decisions are made on an individual basis.