A UNION are urging ministers to strengthen do not resuscitate laws to protect carers.
At the GMB annual policy-making conference it was decided that the current laws surrounding resuscitation are ambiguous and need to be clearer.
The union has had reports from members stating that staff in some care homes were told to over-rule an existing do not resuscitate (DNR) order.
With reports of management telling workers to resuscitate patients in all cases regardless of an existing DNR.
These cases have brought stress to care workers and are illegal, the GMB are calling for an end to this.
Kelly Andrews, GMB care lead, said: “Lack of clarity on DNR orders have been a cause for concern for care workers throughout the pandemic.
“During the past 18 months many GMB care members caring for those that have been placed on a DNR order have been overruled by employers.”
She added: “Members have been overwhelmed by the pressure as their employer threatens them with dismissal if they didn’t go against an existing DNR order in place.
“It’s not good enough. GMB is calling for clarity to strengthen the legal protection of those that have to carry out these instructions.”
Deadline News have approached UNISON and the NUS for comment.
