In this post, Voiceability’s CEO Jonathan Senker, identifies what the government must now ensure happens to safeguard the lives of people with learning disabilities or autism during the coronavirus pandemic.
Figures released today by the Care Quality Commission show that there has been a 175% increase in the number of deaths among people who live in a setting either wholly or partly registered for people with learning disabilities or autistic people. 3,765 people died between 10 April and 8 May, compared to 1,370 last year.
This does not mean that there has been a 175% increase in the number of people with learning disabilities or autistic people who have died. Many of the settings included in these figures are also registered for people in other groups such as people with dementia. However, overall there is every reason to remain concerned as health equalities clearly exist.
9 areas are outlined were action must be taken to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who rely on social care services.
- These areas are outlined as:
- Ensure existing guidance on equal access to quality healthcare is followed
- Gather reliable information and take action based on it
- Provide personal protective equipment
- Provide coronavirus tests
- Take action to protect people moving into and between care settings
- Reduce staff mobility
- Consider if people will be safer in other settings
- Review what is in the best interests of people subject to deprivation of liberty
- Involve people in decisions that affect them