PEOPLE with learning difficulties have been discriminated against during the COVID-19 pandemic according to Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols.
Ms Nichols, the shadow women and equalities minister raised the issue during a Westminster Hall debate.
She said the adage of the COVID-era that “we are all in this together” did not hold good for many people with learning difficulties.
Examples of discrimination ranged from ambulance guidance barring over 16s from being accompanied to hospital, to provision for Christmas.
She said there were serious health challenges faced by people with learning difficulties , with the learning disability mortality review finding a median life expectancy of 61 for men and 59 for women – more than 20 years less than the national average.
“This is tragically even more acute in the COVID crisis, with estimates from the first wave showing a mortality rate from COVID-19 of between 4.1 and 6.3 times than the general population.”
Ms Nichols also discussed the potential impacts for people with learning disabilities of the NHS long-term plan to move a third of face-to-face outpatient appointments online.
She said: “The way disabled people have been treated throughout this crisis is absolutely scandalous. It’s crucial that future government policy is made with people with learning disabilities at the forefront.
“Like local councils, the Government must undertake equality impact assessment and have meaningful consultation with organisations such as Mencap on any changes so that these scandals do not repeat themselves.”
A full copy of Ms Nichols’ speech can be seen at https://www.theyworkforyou/whall/?id=2020-1215a.118.0
