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)

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.

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?

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.