Letter: Call for more nuanced approach to DNACPR orders for Covid patients with learning disabilities

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Re: 16 February 2021 - Bishop protests 'Do Not Resuscitate' orders for Covid patients with learning disabilities......

Dear Bishop Moth,

As the mother of a son with autism and severe learning disability, I read with concern your statement about Do not Resuscitate Orders for people with a learning disability. I discussed this with my daughter, who is a Consultant in A&E in a London Hospital, and we would both wish for a more nuanced response to this issue.

She cited a case in her hospital where a Covid patient whose learning disability rendered them completely intolerant of even wearing an oxygen mask. There was much soul-searching and discussion as to the ethics of treatment for this patient, and the difficulties that would ensue if doctors tried to insert a life-support tube down their throat.

Given that administering a sedative would have compromised breathing even further, a Do Not Resuscitate Order was deemed to be the most compassionate and caring treatment plan.

The patient's carers made a complaint about the order, while the sister of the patient approved. With tailor-made medical and nursing care, the patient recovered from Covid, and is now at home. The complaint from the carers was not upheld, and the patient's sister remains grateful to the hospital for the sensitive care that was shown.

I bring this case to your attention to show the deep love, care and compassion shown by hospital staff to every patient, including those with a learning disability, and that DNACPR orders are not routinely offered to people with a learning disability.

Thank you for reading this, and for all your work on behalf of people like my son,

Yours sincerely,

Fleur Brennan
Pimlico
London