Have you heard of a ReSPECT form? It stands for Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment. It was first introduced in England in 2016 ReSPECT form. It’s a form that anyone can complete in order that your personalised views and choices can be taken into account in the event of a clinical emergency. At that point you may well not be able express your choices very easily.
Recognised by medical professions
It is recognised across the professional medical community. Professionals such as ambulance crews, out of hours doctors, care home staff and hospital staff will be better able to make immediate decisions if they have access to a ReSPECT form.Research has shown that GPs who have already adopted the ReSPECT process have noticed that their patients receive better care in their preferred place, often closer to home. A ReSPECT form is not a legally binding document but health professionals must consider it when making clinical decisions. It’s a form which stays with you at home, and should be easily accessible.
Help to complete the ReSPECT form
We’d like to introduce Ruth Nunn. Ruth is a registered nurse who has worked within the hospice movement for many years. Ruth spent much of her time advocating for patients, including completing ReSPECT forms which she says can be so important in an emergency situation. If you would like Ruth to help you to complete a ReSPECT form do give us a ring. We can make arrangements for her to come and see you. She will discuss your current health and how it may change; identify with you what is important to you in the event of needing emergency care; record an agreed focus of care (perhaps between sustaining life and maximising comfort for example) and what treatments should and shouldn’t be given, including decisions around CPR. Do give us a ring on 01273 434190 and we’ll arrange for Ruth to come and meet you.