Family's shock after do not resuscitate form found in pensioner's bag

NHS Tayside has apologised for the way the document was found

Sitting at the top of Catriona Black's 88-year-old mother's bag after her return from a 12-night stay in hospital was an NHS document - it was headed "Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation."

The form, known as a DNR, means health professionals will not use CPR to try to restart the heart and breathing of a patient.

The pensioner's family say she was "disorientated" and "confused", and question if she understood what the form meant.

NHS Tayside has apologised for how the document was found, and is reviewing the circumstances around the DNR.

BBC Scotland understands it has since been revoked.

Catriona Black said her family was shocked to discover the form

Ms Black's mother went to Dundee's Ninewells Hospital on 7 May after she began to suffer hallucinations after a fall.

The family were not permitted to visit due to coronavirus, but two daughters spoke to their mum on the phone during her stay.

They said staff told them their mother was "confused".

Ms Black said she found the DNR "stuffed in a bag" when her mum was discharged.

She said: "I just got such a shock. It was just overwhelming to discover there was something as major as that and no-one had heard."

Her mother's discharge notes said she was suffering from "ongoing delirium".

Ms Black's mother was admitted to Ninewells Hospital on 7 May

Ms Black said: "I just don't think that was the time or the place (for a DNR) because I don't think she was fully lucid at any point.

"You don't ask somebody a question like that at a moment of weakness and say: 'Tick the box. That's her. She's a DNR'.

"And then never discuss that again with them."

She says the DNR form has been "preying" on her mother's mind, and that she has been "very distressed about it".

What is a DNR form?

A "Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation" (DNR) form is kept with a patient's health records. It is used when doctors decide that CPR will not work.

CPR can involve pushing down on someone's chest, using a mask or tube to help them breathe, or using electric shocks to restart the heart.

NHS Scotland guidance says there are scenarios where trying to restart your heart and breathing may do more harm than good, by not allowing you to die naturally.

Doctors make the final decision, but they should listen to a patient's opinion.

NHS guidance states: "You may wish to talk to your family, close friends or carers.

"They may be able to help you make a decision you are happy with."

If you cannot understand information given about a DNR, a "legal proxy" can represent your wishes.

Ms Black's sister has power of attorney for her mother, meaning she has the authority to deal with aspects of her welfare if she is incapacitated. She was never informed of the DNR.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman told BBC Scotland that "difficult conversations" around DNRs "should always be handled with the utmost compassion, care and tact".

'Immediate review'

NHS Tayside said it would carry out "an immediate review" into the circumstances of the Do Not Resuscitate order.

A spokesperson for the health board said: "We have spoken with the family and apologised for any distress caused to them from finding the 'Do Not Resuscitate' form amongst her belongings.

"We are very sorry for the upset this has caused and we have offered to meet with the family so that they have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and ask any questions."