Former Minister Swann Refutes Blanket Do-Not-Resuscitate Order Claims During Pandemic

The Covid inquiry was informed that Robin Swann, who previously served as health minister, refuted claims of a widespread “do-not-resuscitate” directive for ill individuals in Northern Ireland throughout the pandemic. According to NHS guidelines, a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) instruction may be included in a person’s medical records following discussions with either the patient or their relatives. Addressing the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Mr Swann stated that any assertion of a “blanket response” as an official policy in Northern Ireland was “ill-founded”. The Covid inquiry is presently examining the effects on healthcare infrastructures across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Mr Swann recounted that he had previously informed assembly members, in reply to various written inquiries, that he considered such orders to be “unethical and unnecessary to deploy based on age or disability”. Replying to a query from Nick Scott, counsel for the inquiry, the MP indicated that he would have been provided with “back-up documentation” when answering questions from assembly members, verifying that orders were being “applied appropriately” and that “there wasn’t a blanket response”. Mr Swann acknowledged his awareness of family concerns regarding a rise in DNACPR orders issued to patients upon hospital admission. He affirmed that “on all occasions” these orders should have been “negotiated and discussed, in regards to the individual and the family as well”. The former health minister also offered an apology for how family members of hospitalized patients during the pandemic were “let down” due to a lack of information concerning their loved ones. Testifying before the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Mr Swann mentioned that the circumstances had also been challenging for healthcare personnel, who were not consistently able to furnish updates. He indicated that deficiencies existed in the communication systems and in the strategies designed to enhance them across health trusts and within hospitals. The former minister stated: “In regards to the staff who were working on wards and being able to provide that up to date information and data in regards to how a loved one… an update on their care on a ward wasn’t always possible on a timely need.” He continued: “On the occasions that that did cause stress, I apologise that we weren’t able to get it right every time.” He also noted: “There were many wards, many healthcare workers who were providing that care, that information and were able to meet those needs.” Mr Swann further commented: “Could we have done more, could we do more? Yes, knowing what we know now in regards to the additional PPE, testing and all the rest of it.”