Skip to Content

Landmark ruling on Resuscitation orders.

(DNR)

A Judge has ruled that Doctors do not have the right to make decisions on Resuscitation orders, following a case in which a verdict was given that Doctors at Addenbrook Hospital had acted unlawfully.

Janet Tracey suffered from cancer and died 3 years ago, but neither the patient nor the family were involved in the decision to put in place a DNR. The judge said that, in its actions, the hospital had breached Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights and had potentially deprived a patient of treatment they would otherwise want.

The decision making process must involve consultation, unless there are very convincing reasons; excluding the patient because it would cause distress should not be a reason.

Solicitors acting for the family, Leigh Day, advised that the judgement sent a clear message to all those involved with the decision making process for a DNR order that patients and next of kin have a right to be consulted and kept informed.

The General Medical Council are to review its advice to professionals. The key to this decision is how a Doctor may feel a patient may react when discussing the subject. It is not enough to assume a patient will find it distressing, however if a Doctor feels discussing it could lead to the patient suffering psychological harm, then this is a reason not to discuss it, and it is the difference between the two that is uncertain.

The case has sent out a clear message that Doctors will need to justify and document the decision to put in place a Do Not Resuscitate order.

Image Description
related news
recent articles
What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-Social Behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as activities that are unacceptable and reduce the quality of life for others, this could be by harassm..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..

Modern Slavery Law

Modern Slavery Law.
Passed in 2015 by the Government the Modern Slavery Act is designed to prevent and prosecute any act of slavery, included within the act is..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Education Law Solicitors

Education Law Solicitors. Education solicitors will provide legal advice on all aspects relating to children with Special Educational Needs, problems with schoo..

How to apply to become a British Citizen

British Citizen application| Process.
If you are looking to apply to become a British Citizen, we recommend that you contact a firm of solicitors that have exp..

Guide to a Prenuptial agreements.

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..

Reporting a Crime.

If the crime is ongoing call 999, you should not put yours or any..

link

Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors

Medical Negligence Solicitors. - Due to the varied and complex nature of the medical profession, clinical or medical negligence claims are never clear cut. Prov..

What can and can`t Bailiffs do

What can and can't Bailiffs do? Guide to stricter rules..

Defamation Law Solicitors | Solicitors

Defamation Law Solicitors. Defamation (also called calumny, libel (for written publications), slander (for spoken word), and vilification) is the communication ..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top