Do Not Resusciate Orders- DNR Orders

[pinkbabytots]

Do the medical profession have to get the consent of either the patient or the family to issue a DNR Order. Only we discovered that there is one on my grandads file in hospital and we were never informed and furthermore, strongly oppose it.

Also, who decides on a DNR, is it just one doctor or does it have to be seconded by another.


Many thanks in advance,

[Rollo]

Well, one person who can decide is the patient - provided they are "of sound mind".

[Rollo]

You midght find this helpful:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/euthanasia/overvie w/dnr.shtml

[Ethel]

It is a very sad and stressful time for you and your family.

DNR orders are never, ever taken lightly and are always made with the patient's best interests in mind if the order is not made because of the patient's express wish.

[sandmaster]

I wish I could believe Ethel on that one

[LoftyLottie2]

After my Mum had a mild heart attack in her mid 80's I was approached by the consultant to ask if I would like her recussitated if she had another and he would not recommend it. The time time, I agreed with him as Mum appeared so ill and I could not see her recovering. My mother was not in a fit state to be asked herself.

This same consultant a few years later was at the centre of a case concerning DNR orders, it seemed to be his general policy on elderly people.

Mum fortunately survived and was in better health afterwards than before the heart attack.