In a dramatic U-turn, the National Health Service (NHS) that had previously assured the death of people with autism to be within the expected range has launched an ‘urgent’ review into the death rates of people with learning disabilities and autism that have doubled during the Covid-19 crisis, according to news reports.
Analysis of data by two separate organisations showed that in April and May, more than double the number of people with a learning disability, some of whom may also be autistic, died compared with the same period last year.
Providers registered with the Care Quality Commission reported 386 deaths between April 10 and May 15, 2020, a 134 percent jump on the 165 people in 2019.
While the learning disability charity Mencap’s analysis showed 1,029 deaths were recorded in April and May, it doubled the expected 480.
Charity leaders called the rise ‘deeply troubling’ and a ‘stark reminder’ that disabled people’s rights were falling by the wayside.
The NHS has now admitted the CQC data, presented a month ago, warranted an investigation.
It has been criticised for acting too slow and potentially costing lives by failing to protect those with disabilities who largely fall under NHS care.
