Pensioner Pat Burke says ‘do not resuscitate’ order was signed without his permission

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A pensioner says a ‘do not resuscitate’ order was signed by doctors without his permission and against his religious beliefs, leaving him to fear he would die alone in hospital. Pat, from Deal, Kent, said: “I consider a DNR a form of suicide and I don’t think you should do that. “If there is any chance of staying alive I think you should take it because I don’t think it’s fair on your family, or anyone else.” Pat suffers from seizures as a result of blood clots on the brain from past sporting injuries, which result in short term memory loss. “It says on the form it was discussed with me and that I was in agreement, but I wasn’t.” Sarah Shingler, chief nursing and midwifery officer for the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs QEQM, said: “We are very sorry for the concern caused to Mr Burke and his family and we will contact him to discuss his care.”