Do Not Resuscitate

[breadstick]

What does this mean as regards an elderly patient in hospital?

Does this mean the patient is expected to pass away in the near future?

Does the doctor need the patient or relatives permission?

[woofgang]

Here's a fairly standard DNR policy.
http://www.wirral.nhs.uk/document_uploads/Policies_general/GP4DNRPolicySept2010.pdf

It doesn't necessarily mean that the patient is expected to die soon.
The doctor should certainly not complete a DNR form without discussing it with the patient and obtaining their agreement if the patient is capable. The doctor doesn't need relatives' permission but again should have discussed it.

Remember also that DNR only refers to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and not to withholding other forms of treatment or food and drink.

[RATTER15]

these days it is called a DNAR, Do Not Attempt Resuscitation.

We have folk where I work that have had these in place for well over a year and still going strong.