Even after Tracey Decision, Unilateral & Covert DNR Orders Continue

Last month, the UK Court of Appeal confirmed that while clinicians do not need family consent to write a DNR order, they must at least consult with families before writing a DNR order on an incapacitated patient.  



But a court decision does not change custom and practice overnight.  Garry Whitlam, who has a terminal liver illness, was put into an induced coma at Weston General Hospital  after failing to respond to treatment.  While sifting through the 52-year-old's medical records, his already distraught mother was horrified to see a DNR order among the files. (Bristol Post)  Mr. Whitlam has since regained capacity and is expected to liver two more years.  But he was almost denied that chance.



The incident was investigated by the hospital and the consultant responsible no longer works there.  The hospital "apologized unreservedly" to Mr Whitlam and his family.