Coronavirus: Crisis ‘has led to cuts in support and struggle for food and treatment’ – Disability News Service

Significant numbers of disabled people in Scotland have had their care and support packages cut or stopped because of the coronavirus pandemic, new research by a national user-led organisation suggests.

Inclusion Scotland said that 30 per cent of those who responded to a question on an online survey had seen their support reduced or removed.

And nearly two-thirds of disabled people and carers who responded to another question said they were struggling to access food and medicine.

Inclusion Scotland said the survey responses painted a very disturbing picture of personal and collective despair during lockdown but also provided intriguing glimmers of hope for what could come next, if disabled peoples voices are heard during and after the crisis.

It pointed out that the pandemic had provided a new focus on the need for investment in social care, remote working, online resources, accessible information and flexible working, which disabled people and disabled peoples organisations had long called for.

But Inclusion Scotland also said the pandemic had highlighted how disabled people are stigmatised as vulnerable and problematic.

It said that disabled people and disabled peoples organisations (DPOs) must be involved in rebuilding services after the crisis was over, while DPOs must be adequately funded to carry out this work and support disabled people during the pandemic.

Even though the survey did not ask about do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) forms, four of those who responded said they had been asked to agree to a DNAR notice being placed on their medical records, or had been told that they would not be offered ventilation if they contracted COVID-19.

One of those who responded said: I have been told already that I would not be ventilated.

I was in hospital last week with suspected COVID-19 and the doctor stated I would not be treated.

There is no DNR in file but this was put in my discharge letter. I feel written off before I start.

Another said: I was contacted by my GP who was making sure I was aware that I was at very high risk and following guidelines.

I was also asked to give permission to [put a DNR on my] medical files. I agreed to this without realising it could mean that I wasnt offered treatment.

This has impacted negatively on my mental health.

A third respondent told Inclusion Scotland that disabled and older people seemed to be treated like worthless people, adding: My friend had first hand experience of this last week when her disabled son died of COVID.

He was written off in the first few minutes by doctors and he is a healthy disabled person like my son both have [cerebral palsy].

More than 800 disabled people and carers responded to the survey, which ran throughout April.

About 15 per cent of those who responded including those with and without pre-existing mental health conditions said their mental health had been negatively affected by the need for isolation and social distancing.

And more than one in 10 of those who answered a question about employment said they feared losing their job due to the pandemic.

One of those who responded to the survey said: Cant get any slots for online shopping.

Cant get up early for the elderly/vulnerable hours at supermarkets due to the medication I take to help me sleep.

Cant stand in queues for long periods of time due to disability and mental health issues.

I have no family members near me who can help.

Dr Sally Witcher, chief executive of Inclusion Scotland, said: Solutions once deemed impossible are now becoming a part of the picture.

Social care support, cut back to the bone by austerity, is getting much-needed ring-fenced investment.

Remote working and participation is now part of the mainstream, all things disabled people have fought tirelessly for.

If we are to see any silver lining to this terrible cloud then it has never been more important to involve disabled people in finding solutions, and ensure we retain and build on the more positive responses to this crisis.

Inclusion Scotland is here and ready to help build the new normal in Scotland.

*Links to sources of information and support during the coronavirus pandemic include the following:

Real

Inclusion London

Disability Rights UK

The Department of Health and Social Care

National Survivor User Network

Spinal Injuries Association

COVID Mutual Aid UK

Disability North

Disability Wales

Citizens Advice

Inclusion Scotland

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Coronavirus: Crisis 'has led to cuts in support and struggle for food and treatment' - Disability News Service