Abstract: A survey of health professionals in a medium-sized regional hospital, examining attitudes and perceptions of clinical practice surrounding 'do not resuscitate' orders. Data collected using a questionnaire circulated to medical and nursing professionals currently practising in general medical and surgical areas. Reveals differences in what actually happens in clinical practice compared to what health professionals believe should happen. Using five brief case vignettes, agreement is shown in only two cases as to what resuscitation status should be. Shows that determining resuscitation status in dependent on the individual's values and belief systems