At the second preliminary hearing for Module 6 of the Covid-19 Inquiry, which will focus on the adult social care sector, Inclusion Scotland, Disability Rights UK, Disability Action Northern Ireland and Disability Wales represented by Bhatt Murphy outlined the ‘significant and disproportionate fatalities and other harms’ suffered by Disabled people during the pandemic.
By May 2021, at least 28,000 people receiving domiciliary care had died in their homes in England and Scotland, and from March to June 2020, there was a 225 per cent increase in deaths among those receiving home care across England, a bigger proportional increase in deaths than among care home residents in England (208 per cent).
The organisations highlighted the disproportionate harm experienced by Disabled people, including reduction in social care and support, the impact of “easements” on social care duties, and the misuse of “do not attempt resuscitation” notices.
The substantive hearings, which are set to take place between 30 June and 31 July 2025, will provide an important opportunity to explore these issues further.
The organisations are represented by Shamik Dutta, Caleb Simpson, Leila Mani Lundie, Rachel Cope-Thompson and Richard Matheson of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, instructing Danny Friedman KC and Robbie Stern of Matrix Chambers and Kate Beattie and Dr Alice Irving of Doughty Street Chambers.
Read the full press release here.
Disability News Service media coverage here
Briefing: Adult social care and Covid-19 here
