Shortage of ventilator supplies has ‘hit’ disabled people during the pandemic

Research has suggested that some disabled people in the UK have struggled to obtain essentials such as breathing equipment and medical supplies during the Covid pandemic.

According to a YouGov survey, around 60% of those who rely on social care said they were finding it difficult to obtain at least one of their necessities.

Charity WellChild said people were feeling more “forgotten than they ever have been”.

The Department for Health and Social Care have said that there are sufficient stocks available and that patients should contact their local care provider.

Disabled people who are reliant on social care, which funds equipment and support to enable them to live independent lives – also said they were struggling to obtain personal protective equipment, such as face masks. Many of these receive direct funding to employ carers in their home, meaning that they also need to provide them with PPE during the coronavirus crisis.

In the survey, just over 1,000 people were asked about life in the UK with a disability and how it had changed in the shadow of a pandemic. Over 65% felt their rights had regressed and 71% said disabled people’s needs had been overlooked.

WellChild’s director of programmes Tara Parker, criticised the government for failing to recognise the needs of disabled people, adding “It’s a complete lack of contingency planning and thought about disabled people and their families.

“They’ve struggled with the right PPE, access to their usual therapies, respite, across the board, there has been a lack of clarity for disabled people what their path should be through this pandemic.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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