We believe the personal and family decisions on a ReSPECT form need to be legally binding so they cannot be overridden by any health professional.

After a couple of years of supporting our elderly parents needing medical attention, care and hospital admissions and ReSPECT forms being completed, it has become apparent that some health professionals request that families amend the form to minimise medical intervention and they advocate for Do Not Resuscitate. Medical professionals will ignore the ReSPECT form and wishes if they medically feel it is in the patient’s best interests. We believe this needs to change!