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What if I want an attempt at CPR, but my clinician says it won't work?

When you discuss CPR your clinician may say that CPR would not work for you. It is important that your clinical team understands your views and that you understand why your clinical team feels that CPR will not be helpful.

  • No clinician will refuse your wish for CPR if there is a fair chance that it can be effective.
  • If your healthcare team feel CPR will not work for you, you can ask them to arrange a second medical opinion if you would like one.
  • If it is thought that CPR is likely to leave you severely ill or disabled, your opinion about whether these chances are worth taking is very important. Your healthcare team must listen to your opinions and to anybody you want to involve in the discussion.
  • You and those closest to you should be aware that there is no legal right to demand any treatment that is unlikely to help you and may cause you significant harm.

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.