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

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

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..

New Guidelines for online hate crimes.

New guidelines have been issued to crack down on online hate...

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

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

link

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Domestic Violence Guide

Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..

Defamation Law Solicitors | Solicitors

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

Reporting a Crime.

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

link

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' laws to defeat knife crime...

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours

Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..

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..

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