ReSPECT: Helping People Have a Voice in Their Emergency Care

Nobody knows your wishes better than you.

That is why the ReSPECT process is so important. ReSPECT, which stands for Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment, helps people make their care preferences

known in advance, so healthcare professionals can make decisions that reflect what matters most to them if they become too unwell to speak for themselves.

A ReSPECT plan is created through conversations between an individual, their healthcare professionals, and, where appropriate, their loved ones. Together, they discuss priorities, values, and preferences for future emergency care and treatment. The outcome is a personalised plan that can be shared across healthcare settings, helping ambulance crews, hospital teams, care home staff, and out-of-hours services make informed decisions during an emergency.

While a ReSPECT plan can benefit anyone, it is particularly relevant for people with complex health needs, those living with long-term conditions, people at risk of sudden deterioration, and those nearing the end of life. It offers an opportunity to think ahead and ensure that future care aligns with an individual's wishes and realistic treatment options.

Importantly, ReSPECT is not just about resuscitation decisions. It is designed to support broader conversations about emergency treatment and care, empowering people to express what is important to them and helping healthcare professionals provide care that is both appropriate and person-centred.

To help people understand the process, the Resuscitation Council UK has produced a range of resources on its website, including videos for patients, carers, and families. There are also accessible resources specifically designed for people with learning disabilities, helping to explain what ReSPECT is, how conversations are recorded on a ReSPECT plan, and how the information is shared and used. Personal stories and videos further help illustrate how the process can support individuals and their loved ones.

We are pleased that West Berkshire has adopted the ReSPECT process, helping to ensure that local residents have greater opportunities to discuss and record their preferences for emergency care. Through this approach, people can have more confidence that their wishes will be considered if they are ever unable to communicate them themselves.

At Healthwatch West Berkshire, we encourage residents, carers, and families to have conversations about future care planning. If you think a ReSPECT plan may be right for you or someone you care for, speak to your GP, specialist nurse, or other healthcare professional to find out more about how the process works locally.

Having these discussions may not always be easy, but they can provide reassurance that your voice will be heard when it matters most.

For more information, visit the Resuscitation Council UK's ReSPECT webpages and explore the patient, carer, and accessible learning resources available.