Hospice UK responds to CQC report on living and dying well during COVID-19

Hospice UK's Chief Clinical Officer Carole Walford responds to the CQC's report on living and dying well during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

DNACPR (Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) decisions and discussions are a valuable part of end of life care, but they must be rooted in individual, compassionate conversations with people and families.

The Care Quality Commission, which regulates health and social care services in England, has today published a report looking at poor practice around DNACPRs during the pandemic. The report calls for a focus on three key areas:

• Information, training and support
• A consistent national approach to advance care planning
• Improved oversight and assurance

Giving Hospice UK’s response to the report, our Chief Clinical Officer, Carole Walford, says:

"The practice highlighted by the Care Quality Commission's report into Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions is of real concern.

"I'm thinking today of the families who, amidst all the other challenges of the current time, feel that their personal views were not sought or respected. I welcome the CQC's report and its clear recommendations.

"DNACPR conversations are a valuable and essential part of end of life care. They must take place through honest, open and sensitive communication between a person, their family and their healthcare team. It is imperative that people in our care and their families are listened to, heard, and their wishes documented."

You can read our joint statement with other end of life organisations on the British Medical Journal website.