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CQC publishes data on deaths of people with a learning disability

The data published sadly shows that a significant number of people with learning disabilities have died as a result of Covid-19.

View: CQC publishes data on deaths of people with a learning disability

The data

We send our condolences to those families who have lost loved ones. Thedata published by CQC today sadly shows that a significant number of people with learning disabilities have died as a result of Covid-19 and this will be of great concern to people with learning disabilities and their families.  

We know that people with learning disabilities are at greater risk of premature and avoidable deaths and the combination of underlying health conditions and accessing timely healthcare increase those risks during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to consider the issues raised by the data and to focus on this group of people with appropriate protective measures which need to be put in place immediately. It is essential that processes are put in place to ensure social and healthcare staff effectively support the health care of people with a learning disability.  This will include:  

  • avoiding diagnostic overshadowing    
  • ensuring equal access to healthcare for people with a learning disability  
  • regularly consulting with family members and carers who know the person with learning disabilities and/ or autism very well.   
  • people with learning disabilities and their carers, wherever they are living, having timely access to testing and to Personal Protective Equipment.  

In the longer term, this CQC statement highlights the lack of an accessible reliable data source for accurate information to inform support planning and this must be addressed by Government, NHSE and CQC.    

View: CQC publishes data on deaths of people with a learning disability

Worried?

Worried?

For families worried about their relative’s care, see our webpage for information and where to go for support.

Support organisations

Support organisations

If you are worried about someone with a learning disability there are a number of support organisations that you can contac

Contact us

If you support someone with a severe learning disability whose behaviour challenges you can contact the CBF Family Support service on 0300 666 0126 or email us at: support@thecbf.org.uk

Family support service