Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said accounts of patients and families of residents in care homes being pressured to sign ‘Do Not Attempt Resuscitation’ (DNRs) are deeply worrying.

The Foyle MLA commented: 

“Residential care homes are very much in the front line of the Coronavirus pandemic and their residents are among the most vulnerable people in our society.

“They need to be shielded and protected with adequate medical supports put in place.  

“Accounts of people being pressured to sign ‘Do Not Attempt Resuscitation’ (DNRs) are deeply worrying, against clinical guidance and are simply unacceptable.

“I have raised this matter with the Health Minister because elderly, vulnerable people and their loved ones are genuinely worried. 

“Sadly, in some situations DNRs are appropriate but only where genuine and sensitive discussion has been had with patients, or their families, and where their consent has been freely given.

“A DNR notice should never be issued without prior and proper consultation with the patient, or their family, and the Minister and relevant health authorities needs to ensure this is the case.”