Aspens' Our Voices Our Choices group has set up a petition to stop inappropriate do not resuscitate (DNACPR) orders for people with learning disabilities.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed huge problems with the way Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions are made, understood and communicated with people with learning disabilities and their families and carers.

There have been reports of unlawful blanket decision-making and of DNACPR orders noted without discussion with the people involved. Many questions have been raised such as why are the terms DNR or DNAR unhelpful, confusing and potentially dangerous? In what circumstances is CPR not a good option, and DNACPR therefore appropriate? How should those decisions be made? Who should be involved? What if the person lacks capacity for a DNACPR decision – how can we make decisions based on best interest? 

The Care Quality Commission recently reported that inappropriate DNACPR notices in hospital/emergency situations had caused potentially avoidable deaths and the Aspens’ Our Voices our Choices group feel passionately that this discrimination should not be happening in 2021.

Please sign their petition (download below) and email back to: [email protected]

My life is just as important as yours - Our Voices Our Choices Group DNAR petition

Further resources and information:

Video webinar from PCPLD (Palliative Care for People with Learning Disabilities) exploring this issue, with the views of people with a learning disability and speakers Dr Claud Regnard, Dr Kathryn Mannix and Baroness Ilora Finlay.  

DNACPR explained (CQC) - easy read format