Response to Care Quality Commission's interim report on DNACPR decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic

Commenting on the Care Quality Commission’s interim report - Review of the use of do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic - Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), said:

“It’s horrifying to hear of DNACPR orders being applied to anyone without their involvement, consent and their individual needs being taken into account. It’s vital that a clear light is shone on this worrying issue through the ongoing work of the CQC’s review.

“In our joint statement with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the early days of the pandemic, we were absolutely explicit that professionals on our register must practice in line with the NMC Code including following the principles of person-centred and individualised care.

“But it’s clear there’s more to do. Everyone working across health and care has a responsibility to support nurses, midwives and nursing associates to do the right thing and to listen and act on their concerns if they speak up about inappropriate decisions being made.

“I’m glad the NMC has been part of informing the initial scope of this review work. We look forward to continuing this collaboration on the next phase so that high professional standards can be maintained and people’s rights are supported in the best way possible.”

Other recent news…