COVID Inquiry Questions Chris Whitty on Use of DNRs
The chief medical officer denied responsibility for the alleged ‘blanket’ use of ‘do not resuscitate with CPR’ notices for groups of COVID-diagnosed patients.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sir Chris Whitty stated that he had no knowledge of the “inappropriate use” of “do not resuscitate” orders given to COVID-19 patients while testifying at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. He was questioned about the use of “do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation” (DNACPR) notices and clinical frailty scores during the pandemic. These scores were used to determine which COVID-19 patients should receive life-saving treatment and which should not be resuscitated if they stopped breathing.
Whitty expressed his disapproval of blanket approaches to DNACPR notices, emphasizing the importance of individualized care plans. He clarified that he supported advance care planning, where terminally ill or elderly patients could communicate their end-of-life care preferences.
Multiple witnesses have submitted evidence to the inquiry, alleging that vulnerable patients were given DNACPR notices without their consent. Concerns have also been raised about the inappropriate use of frailty scores to determine the escalation of DNACPR notices within the NHS.
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He emphasized that frailty scores should not influence the decision to apply a DNACPR notice, especially by neglecting major surgery for end-of-life patients. Whitty refrained from commenting on the lack of standardization in end-of-life care pathways in the UK, as the CMO for Wales, Sir Frank Atherton, is scheduled to appear before the inquiry later.
Smith ‘Doesn’t Recall’ Warning
Earlier this week, Sir Gregor Smith stated his strong disagreement with blanket DNACPR use during the Scotland phase of the inquiry. The inquiry is ongoing and examining the impact of the pandemic response on the healthcare systems of the UK nations.
