COVID-19 update from Gail - QPM | National Development Team for Inclusion

Dear Advocacy Colleagues,

We hope this find you all safe, well and finding ways to support each other in these incredibly difficult times. We don’t know about you, but we’re finding it hard to keep up with the ever-changing guidance and legislation as the environment in which we work changes so quickly. That in itself can be hugely stressful, so I (Gail), am trying to remember to be kind to myself and those around me. We’re all doing our best in unprecedented circumstances.

What is clearer than ever is the need for us to have a solid understanding of people’s rights and our role in these being upheld. I’m sure many of you were tuned into the fantastically helpful webinar with Steve Broach from 39 Essex, hosted by Kate Mercer on Monday 6^thApril. Kate has made a recording of this freely available and I urge you to find the time to watch this back here.

The rest of this update aims to point you to some additional resources which may be of use at this time. These resources are shared in good faith and to the best our knowledge, are current at the time of publishing. Please do be mindful that as things are changing so rapidly, it is always worth double checking the current validity of information.

In addition, we’re working with colleagues on a ‘Myth Buster’, specifically focusing on our different advocacy roles and how the Coronavirus and COVID-19 legislation and guidance impacts on us and the ways we work as a sector. We will share this as soon as we are able!

We’re sure you will be aware of some issues and challenges towards the end of last week in relation to blanket DNACPR (do not resuscitate) decisions, potentially inappropriate use of ReSPECT forms and processes, as well as letters being sent to people, informing them that if they become ill a hospital admission will not be sought. As you will all know, these decisions must be made on an individual basis.

Many organisations have let us know that this has been as issue and clearly one which advocates are challenging with, and for, the people they support. Whilst the situation has been clarified in the latter part of last week, we’re aware it will remain an issue for some. The following resources are aimed at assisting you in your challenges:

VoiceAbility have developed a template letter which is available for use/adaption on their website – you can find it here and with additional information here. It clarifies that clinicians have a duty to consult with patients, or members of their family, before completing a DNACPR notice and placing this on their records. This is the case unless the clinician thinks the patient or family member will be so distressed by being consulted that it might cause them physical or psychological harm. Nothing in the Coronavirus legislation repeals this case law. It also reminds professionals to instruct an IMCA for serious medical treatment decisions, including Advance Care Planning and DNACPR decisions.
NHSE have shared this letter which clarifies the need for decisions to be made on an individual basis.
Here is a joint statement on advanced care planning/DNACPR from BMA, CPA, CQC and RCGP which also reinforces this message
NICE guidance on Decision Making and Mental Capacity
UPDATED Government Guidance on hospital admissions for people in residential care
Resus have shared this information
Here’s an open letter published on Disability Rights UK regarding the need for individualised care and treatment during the pandemic, along with the reply from NHSE
Many of you will have the support of your solicitor colleagues who may also be in a position to support you where you are concerned an individual’s rights may be being breached.
Alex Ruck Keene’s video on DNACPR and Advance Care Planning – getting it right