DNACPR and the Law - Online Conference

30 September 2021 10:00 - 13:00 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted unlawful practice in the use of Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation decisions (DNACPR). At the start of the pandemic, charities, care providers and others lobbied the government to express their concerns resulting in a formal CQC inquiry.  This special conference from Edge Training & Consultancy will explore the current law and guidance on DNACPRs. In addition, the lived experiences of people affected by DNACPRs will be discussed. The aim will be to safeguard the interests of the most vulnerable in society by ensuring professional staff leave with practical steps on how to ensure compliance with the law.

The conference includes leading voices in the field to explain the law and ensure those attending leave with practical steps on how they can ensure compliance with the Human Rights Act and (where applicable) the Mental Capacity Act. The conference will also discuss how to make a legally binding Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRTs) under the Mental Capacity Act and how they are different from DNACPRs with practical tips to ensure compliance.

SPEAKERS:

Merry Varney

Solicitor, Leigh Day Solicitors

Merry has been instructed in arguably, the two most significant cases on DNACPR:

R (Tracey) v Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Ors [2014] EWCA Civ 822

Winspear v City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust [2015] EWHC 3250 (QB)

The Tracey case involved an adult that had mental capacity whilst the Winspear case involved an adult that lacked mental capacity. Merry will explain the facts, the key legal issues and the difference in approach in each of these situations, depending on the patient’s mental capacity.

Prof. Celia Kitzinger

Co-Director, Coma and Disorders of Consciousness Research Centre

Co-Director, Open Justice Court of Protection Project

Celia has worked with many families affected by these issues. Celia will discuss the lived experiences of people that have Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) and DNACPRs in place. In particular, when a valid ADRT decision has not been followed despite being legally valid. Celia will discuss some practical steps/tips that could be used to ensure better increased compliance.

Steven Richards 

Director, Edge Training & Consultancy

Author, Working with the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Former CQC MHA Reviewer and specialist advisor

Steven will analyse and discuss some of the current controversy surrounding DNACPRs during the pandemic. He will explain the current guidance that professional staff must follow. In addition, Steven will explain how to make a legally binding ADRT so that adults with mental capacity can retain control over treatment decisions.

CHAIR: Aasya F Mughal 

Director, Edge Training & Consultancy

Barrister and Author, Working with the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Conference Fee Includes PDF conference pack  and a certificate. Conference access details will be emailed direct to delegate(s) upon completion of your booking.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email assistant@edgetraining.org.uk  or call 07341 277487.

Are you a Local Authority, NHS Trust or CCG?

If you are a Local Authority, NHS Trust or CCG and require an invoice please email assistant@edgetraining.org.uk for a booking form