13/09/2012
Down's Syndrome Patient Sues Over DNR Notice
An NHS trust is being sued by a man with Down's syndrome over a hospital's decision to issue a do-not-resuscitate order, which gives his disability as one of the reasons.
The instruction, which states to not attempt resuscitation in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, was issued without his family's knowledge, whose lawyers described the order as "blatant discrimination".
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust says it complied fully with guidance from professional bodies.
The family of the man, who can be identified only as AWA because of a court order, remained unaware of the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decision until he had returned from hospital to his care home.
The DNR form, issued while he was in hospital in Margate a year ago, was listed as an indefinite decision, meaning it would cover the duration of his stay in hospital, with no provision for review.
The reasons given were "Down's syndrome, unable to swallow (Peg [percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy] fed), bed bound, learning difficulties".
AWA, 51, has dementia and was having a special tube fitted to help him with feeding.
The form says there was no discussion with his next of kin because they were "unavailable", but the family say they visited him in hospital "virtually every day" - and a carer from his home sometimes attended too.
Solicitor Merry Varney represents AWA and his family, from Leigh Day & Co.
She said: "This is definitely one of the most extreme cases we have seen of a DNR order being imposed on a patient without consent or consultation.
"To use Down's syndrome and learning difficulties as a reason to withhold lifesaving treatment is nothing short of blatant discrimination.
"If an individual was physically preventing a doctor from administering life-saving treatment to a disabled relative, it would undoubtedly be a matter for the police, yet we see doctors taking this decision without consent or consultation regularly."
(H)
The instruction, which states to not attempt resuscitation in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, was issued without his family's knowledge, whose lawyers described the order as "blatant discrimination".
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust says it complied fully with guidance from professional bodies.
The family of the man, who can be identified only as AWA because of a court order, remained unaware of the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decision until he had returned from hospital to his care home.
The DNR form, issued while he was in hospital in Margate a year ago, was listed as an indefinite decision, meaning it would cover the duration of his stay in hospital, with no provision for review.
The reasons given were "Down's syndrome, unable to swallow (Peg [percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy] fed), bed bound, learning difficulties".
AWA, 51, has dementia and was having a special tube fitted to help him with feeding.
The form says there was no discussion with his next of kin because they were "unavailable", but the family say they visited him in hospital "virtually every day" - and a carer from his home sometimes attended too.
Solicitor Merry Varney represents AWA and his family, from Leigh Day & Co.
She said: "This is definitely one of the most extreme cases we have seen of a DNR order being imposed on a patient without consent or consultation.
"To use Down's syndrome and learning difficulties as a reason to withhold lifesaving treatment is nothing short of blatant discrimination.
"If an individual was physically preventing a doctor from administering life-saving treatment to a disabled relative, it would undoubtedly be a matter for the police, yet we see doctors taking this decision without consent or consultation regularly."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2004
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
The 'green light' has been given for 15 new NHS hospital developments in a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal worth more than £4 billion, it has been announced today. Today's announcement will bring investment in new NHS hospitals to more than £16 billion since 1997, the health department said.
19 October 2004
Hospital cleanliness is top priority, says health secretary
The top priority for the NHS's new chief nursing officer will be to tackle hospital cleanliness, MRSA and other hospital infections, Health secretary John Reid has said. The health secretary was speaking on the day that the new Matron's Charter was launched – a "no nonsense" guide setting out how senior nurses should set hygiene standards.
Hospital cleanliness is top priority, says health secretary
The top priority for the NHS's new chief nursing officer will be to tackle hospital cleanliness, MRSA and other hospital infections, Health secretary John Reid has said. The health secretary was speaking on the day that the new Matron's Charter was launched – a "no nonsense" guide setting out how senior nurses should set hygiene standards.
05 November 2013
CQC Raise Serious Concerns About Essex Hospital Trust
The Chief Inspector of Hospitals has recommended Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust should be placed into special measures. Professor Sir Mike Richards' call follows serious concerns, highlighted during a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, regarding the quality of some services for cancer patients at the trust.
CQC Raise Serious Concerns About Essex Hospital Trust
The Chief Inspector of Hospitals has recommended Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust should be placed into special measures. Professor Sir Mike Richards' call follows serious concerns, highlighted during a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, regarding the quality of some services for cancer patients at the trust.
10 July 2013
15 Asylum Seekers Found In Tanker At Dover
The Port of Dover declared a "critical incident" after 15 asylum seekers were found on Wednesday inside a tanker on a cross-Channel ferry, P&O's Spirit of France. It is understood that three of the asylum seekers needed hospital treatment following their discovery. Two tanker drivers have also been arrested.
15 Asylum Seekers Found In Tanker At Dover
The Port of Dover declared a "critical incident" after 15 asylum seekers were found on Wednesday inside a tanker on a cross-Channel ferry, P&O's Spirit of France. It is understood that three of the asylum seekers needed hospital treatment following their discovery. Two tanker drivers have also been arrested.
26 March 2013
Nurses To Spend Time As Healthcare Assitants
New proposals will see nurses spend time as healthcare assistants doing basic tasks such as washing and dressing before completing their degree training. It is part of a package of measures being introduced as a response to the Stafford hospital inquiry. It is understood that ministers will concede a change of culture is needed across the system.
Nurses To Spend Time As Healthcare Assitants
New proposals will see nurses spend time as healthcare assistants doing basic tasks such as washing and dressing before completing their degree training. It is part of a package of measures being introduced as a response to the Stafford hospital inquiry. It is understood that ministers will concede a change of culture is needed across the system.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
