Do Not Attempt this Conversation , raises some interesting points about what Junior Drs face regularly and these difficult conversations that we forget need to take place in order to make the right decisions, all in the patients best interest.

The NHS is under immense pressure, and Junior Drs face difficult situations regularly. On this particular night, she is forced to have the Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) conversation with one of the relatives of an elderly man who has been admitted.

The gentleman’s relative isn’t giving up or agreeing without arguing through every single option that might be available for him. From what the Dr explains, it would not be extending his life for long, and it would cause additional pain to him.

The conversation did appear to go on much longer than I can imagine it would, especially if time is of the essence.  The insults hurled at the Junior Dr did seem to be tolerated for longer than I would imagine it would or should be. Sometimes, less is more when you are trying to make an impact on the audience.

This is potentially a very strong play, raising some important questions about mortality. However, it does require editing down to make it a powerful social commentary on situations faced head-on by Junior Drs. It doesn’t require any cast changes or a different director, just tightening up as they have a good working rapport.

For more information about Do Not Attempt this Conversation and other productions across Edinburgh Fringe, please use the link below.

Three Stars

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/do-not-attempt-this-conversation