Can anyone tell me about temporary DNARs?

[coalscuttle]

My father has gone into a hospice today - although he is terminally ill this is a planned short term stay to try to sort out his excessive prescription opiate use - he is currently extremely confused and getting more so, he doesn't know where he is. The hospice have spoken to my mother about DNARs - he has always wanted to be resuscitated but more recently said he doesn't want to go back into hospital... the consultant said to my mother that if we were in agreement then, because he clearly lacks capacity at the moment, it is possible to have a temporary DNAR. I will be able to visit at the weekend and speak to them but wondered if anyone knew anything about this in the meantime?

I think you might find it useful to read up on the Mental Capacity Act. This is the tool used to assess whether or not someone has the ability to understand and make a decision. This has to be used each time a decision os made. In your DFs case, it would appear that his capacity to not make a decsion regarding this is a temporary one and that once he regains capacity he can review the decision himself. However, all decisions have to be made in the 'best interests' of the person concerned and if you know that your DF's wish was that he be resusitated then I would query the decision to implement a DNAR unless there has been a significant deterioration in his condition.