3 Apr 2020
Concerns have been raised about ‘do not resuscitate’ orders after an elderly lady was “pushed” into signing one as a result of coronavirus pressures.
It was reported this morning that an 86-year-old in Tayside agreed to the procedure – should the circumstances occur – following a phonecall from her local GP.
Her family say the practice cited “Covid-19 protocol” in making the arrangement, despite the pensioner suffering from memory problems.
It was only when relatives found the subsequent copy of the form in the woman’s house that they realised the order had been signed.
Shadow health secretary Miles Briggs has now called for clarification on the matter from the SNP government.
He said, although the NHS will come under immense pressure because of coronavirus, that wasn’t a reason to hurry elderly people into making major decisions like DNR.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said:
“Everyone accepts the NHS has to make changes as we battle this crisis.
“But pushing elderly and very vulnerable patients into agreeing life-ending procedures over the phone is utterly unacceptable.
“This kind of thing should never happen within the NHS, irrespective of the challenges it is facing.
“This lady and her family deserve a very thorough apology.
“The SNP government must also intervene and reveal to patients if this is indeed new guidance being given to GPs.
“If it is, patients right across the country will be furious.”
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