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Written question asked by Polly Billington (Labour) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 2026 (named day). It was answered by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

DNACPR Decisions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation forms to include a confirmation of consultation field that must be signed by the patient or family to make it effective.

Answer

No assessment of the potential merits of amending Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) forms to include a confirmation of consultation field that must be signed by the patient or family has been undertaken.

When a DNACPR decision is being made, the clinician should consider the patient’s wishes and every effort should be taken to reach an agreement with the patient or, if they lack capacity, their family or representative. If the patient or their family or representative do not agree with the decision, they should be given time to ask for a second opinion or review. This is in line with the National Health Service guidance for DNACPR decisions. Guidance and information for the public on DNACPR decisions is available on the NHS website, including information on asking for a second opinion or a review and what to do if there are concerns about, or disagreement with, a DNACPR form in a patient’s or family member’s medical records.

Professional guidance on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is provided by clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing, to support consistent decision-making, and to reflect these principles.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125931
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Consent to medical treatment DNACPR decisions
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk