General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 21 November 2024.
Miles Briggs
Conservative
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the number of people who are not aware of a do not resuscitate order being placed on their medical notes, including in relation to next of kin and power of attorney holders. (S6O-04001)
Neil Gray
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government does not centrally collect information or data relating to the number or use of do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation—DNACPR—forms. As with all other clinical treatments, decisions about CPR should be based on the individual clinical circumstances and wishes of the patient, and should be recorded appropriately. That is done in hard copy on a DNACPR form, the existence of which is then recorded on an individual’s key information summary. Such information is shared only for the purposes of direct care, and is therefore not centrally collected.
Miles Briggs
Conservative
I acknowledge that the Scottish Government is not collecting that information.
Serious concerns have been raised, especially during the pandemic, about the use of do not resuscitate—also known as do not attempt resuscitation—orders. Is the Scottish Government looking at changing that process? What investigation have ministers undertaken to assess how many patients may still be unaware that a DNR order has been placed on their medical notes? Will the Cabinet secretary review that, and review the collection of data by the Scottish Government?
Neil Gray
Scottish National Party
I thank Miles Briggs for raising an issue that is, obviously, incredibly sensitive. I recognise the strength of feeling among patients and others whom he seeks to represent today.
In 2016, the DNACPR policy was reviewed to reflect feedback on changes in the United Kingdom-wide national good practice guidance from the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Resuscitation Council UK. A note of legal changes, which had resulted from case law, and specialist legal advice were provided as part of the formation of that policy. The Scottish Government continually reviews best practice and advice relating to resuscitation. We are undertaking work to improve our electronic recording systems, to allow us to provide more clarity on care planning at a local and national level.
In recognition of the sensitivity of the issue, if further discussion in a more private space would be helpful to Miles Briggs, I will be happy to facilitate that.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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It is chaired by the prime minister.
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Cabinet ministers are appointed by the prime minister and chosen from MPs or peers of the governing party.
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