Families of individuals with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom are expressing outrage as “do not resuscitate” (DNR) orders are reportedly being added to medical records without the knowledge or consent of their loved ones. This alarming practice contradicts National Health Service (NHS) guidance, which mandates that DNR decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the wishes of patients and their families.
Multiple families have come forward to share their experiences with ITV News, revealing a disturbing trend of hospitals placing DNRs on the medical records of disabled individuals solely based on their disabilities. In many cases, there has been no discussion regarding the patient’s preferences or the wishes of their relatives. One woman recounted that her non-verbal sister has had a DNR order improperly added to her record between 15 and 20 times without any explanation from medical staff.
Families Discover DNRs Posthumously
In another instance, a family learned of a DNR order only after they requested their sister’s medical files following her death. The order cited “learning disability” as the reason for not attempting resuscitation, raising significant ethical concerns about how such decisions are made and communicated.
Wes Streeting, the UK’s Health Secretary, described the practice as “repugnant and immoral.” His comments reflect a growing consensus that the current approach to DNR orders for individuals with learning disabilities requires urgent review and reform. The NHS has faced increased scrutiny over its handling of vulnerable populations, particularly regarding end-of-life decisions.
The situation highlights a critical need for clearer protocols and better communication between healthcare providers and families. Families are advocating for changes that ensure all decisions regarding DNR orders are made transparently, prioritizing the patient’s rights and dignity.
As this issue unfolds, many are calling for a national conversation about the treatment of individuals with disabilities in medical settings, emphasizing that every patient deserves respect and a voice in their healthcare decisions.
