Ms Bernie McNally:

The "do not resuscitate" order has arisen in a number of complaints. With each of those hospitals we asked if there was a policy for such orders. Every hospital should have a policy which should be guided by a national standard. Every hospital's policy should take in what it means, the approach and who makes the decisions, etc. There should also be an information leaflet for families so they can not only be told what is involved, but read and reflect on the issue. Any of the hospitals with which we have engaged and agreed that this approach makes perfect sense and they are happy to do it. We understand that most hospitals at this stage have a procedure and information available to families and patients for consideration.