The Scottish Government is facing calls to investigate widespread use of 'Do Not Resuscitate' notices on unwitting patients.
The Record told of superfit teacher Fiona McVey, 44, who was horrified to discover her status while in an ambulance going to hospital. Many others contacted us to tell of similar situations and said they had been put on a DNR list without their right to consultation.
Readers reported finding medical files with the assignation DNACPR – Do Not Attempt CPR – or DNR/DNAR.
Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “The revelations in the Record are shocking and distressing. We need an investigation to ensure DNRs are appropriately used and with proper communication with patients.
“Patients put their trust in the NHS to provide the best possible care and we should ensure that, where possible, their wishes are taken on board. This rings alarm bells about the scale of the crisis facing our NHS.
“There needs to be complete transparency about decision-making as it has real consequences for both patients and staff.”
Linda Henderson, from Perth, was shocked to find a note on her medical file that said 'obese' and 'Do Not Resuscitate'. The 72-year-old former housing manager believes she was not meant to see the guidance, which was given to her among assorted belongings after a stay at Perth Royal Infirmary last year.
Like many others, Linda and her husband Eddie, 80, were appalled.
She said: “I don’t think I was meant to see the file and I was horrified when I did. A decision seems to have been made that I wasn’t worth trying to resuscitate because I’m overweight or because of my age.”
She added: “I wonder how many people have simply been allowed to die without any kind of fight to save them because a faceless person wrote ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ on a bit of paper or a computer file.”
Eddie, a former glass manufacturer, said: “It seems it has become standard practice to put these notes on people’s records. I was aware that this kind of thing was happening during Covid but we’re meant to be in different times now.”
Last week we told how Fiona, 44, from Clydebank, discovered the DNACPR notice while travelling in an ambulance after an infection led to a flare-up in a heart arrythmia.
She said: “The formal response from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was that only GPs can update this information and as GPs are private contractors it is nothing to do with the health board. I’ve submitted a formal complaint to my GP surgery and will be seeking legal advice regarding this terrifying situation.”
Age Scotland CEO Mark O’Donnell said: “It is very worrying to hear so many more people have discovered they had a DNAR order applied without their knowledge. There is no excuse for a person or their family only learning they have a DNAR in place when they read their medical notes.
“No one should be left feeling their life is worth less than anybody else’s.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service denied putting DNACPRs in place for patients who enter their care and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde denied systematic use of the notices, adding: “Under no circumstances is a blanket approach ever taken with DNACPRs”.
Public Health Scotland said it has no role in issuing clinical guidance beyond public health. Clinicians use DNACPR notices on many patients they feel would have a very low chance of responding to very punishing CPR methods, particularly those with respiratory problems and a risk of brittle bones.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our guidance on DNACPR makes clear that we expect healthcare professionals to discuss treatment options openly and honestly with patients and, where appropriate, their families or representatives to help ensure they get the care that is right for them given their specific medical circumstances. CPR will not always be an effective or viable treatment option for everyone.
“Where clinicians determine this is the case, conversations should always be handled with the upmost compassion, care and tact. When a disagreement occurs, individuals can always request a second medical opinion.
“No one should ever feel pressured in any way when they are discussing treatment options such as CPR.”
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