Philip Havers QC, Jeremy Hyam and Kate Beattie, instructed by Leigh Day appear in the Court of Appeal for the family of Janet Tracey, who had a “Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” (DNACPR) order placed on her medical records, potentially withholding life-sustaining treatment, without any prior consultation and without telling Mrs Tracey the decision had been made.

The case challenges the lawfulness of placing DNACPR Orders without informing or consulting patients, and the lack of national guidance from the Secretary of State for Health on the issue. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is intervening in the case in support of Mrs Tracey’s family and to highlight the frequency with which concerns about DNACPR are raised by patients, families, and Coroners.