A NEW policy that decides whether a dying patient should be resuscitated is set to be implemented at hospitals and GP surgeries across Worcestershire.

The policy is aimed at giving patients the right to die in peace with dignity and it is hoped it will put a stop to prolonging a patient's life if it is against their wishes, or if attempting resuscitation would lead to a poor quality of life.

The Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) policy has been given the go-ahead by the board of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (SWPCT).

Dr Tim Davies, director of public health at the SWPCT, said the policy was good news for patients.

He added: "We are obliged to form this policy and it will be implemented across the county.

"It is very similar to policies which have been formed at other trusts across the country.

"It's good news for staff and patients because it allows each of them to know where they stand.

"Resuscitation is only appropriate when it's likely to be successful, say for example if you're having a heart attack.

"On the other hand, if you are at the end of your life and are naturally dying, there's nothing to be gained from resuscitation, dragging out a death, making it more prolonged and painful."

GPs and consultants will have the legal power to make a DNAR decision, and where possible the decision will be reached between them and the patient, or the patient's family.

The British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council and the Royal College of Nursing, all welcomed the policy.

In a joint statement, a spokesman said: "Health professionals are aware that decisions about attempting resuscitation raise very sensitive and potentially distressing issues for the patient and people emotionally close to the patient.

"These guidelines identify the key ethical and legal issues that should underpin all these decisions."