"Unfortunately it directly stems from the COVID-19 critical care referral algorithm which mentions those with learning disabilities or autism with the under 65-year-olds as being potentially frail and therefore not in line for ITU [Intensive Care Unit] care."
"This resulted in huge numbers of elderly dying in care homes in the last lockdown where it is estimated nearly 40,000 died."
He continued: "DNR [Do Not Resuscitate] orders should never be written without the consent of the patient, or if they lack capacity, then their health power of attorney or next of kin."
"Unfortunately, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 has empowered best interest end-of-life decisions by carers who may not know the person, which makes the learning disabled very vulnerable."
"The critical care referral algorithm also mandated end-of-life care for the 'frail' who deteriorated, which is totally unacceptable. To my mind, the DNR orders are being used to prepare for 'potential deterioration' in cases where a disabled person catches COVID."
Campaigners have criticized government ministers for not giving everyone with learning disabilities priority access to coronavirus vaccines, despite evidence that those with disabilities are more likely to die after contracting COVID-19.
The Guardian cited NHS figures indicating that in the five weeks since the latest lockdown began, COVID-19 was responsible for 65% of deaths of people with learning disabilities.
A study by Public Health England last November found that people with learning disabilities had a death rate from COVID-19 up to six times higher than the general population. It also concluded that the death rate for people aged 18 to 34 with learning disabilities was 30 times higher.
Mencap's chief executive Edel Harris told the Guardian: "Throughout the pandemic many people with a learning disability have faced shocking discrimination and obstacles to accessing healthcare, with inappropriate Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) notices put on their files and cuts made to their social care support."
"It's unacceptable that within a group of people hit so hard by the pandemic, and who even before COVID died on average over 20 years younger than the general population, many are left feeling scared and wondering why they have been left out."
Pullicino outlined how he believed that COVID patients with learning disabilities should be treated.
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He said: "First, no disabled person should be put on a DNR order without their consent or of their next of kin."
"Second, it should be mandated that a disabled person must have vaccination before they can be put on DNR."
"Third, disabled persons should be prioritized for treatments for COVID such as remdesivir and the acute antibody treatment that has recently been developed in the U.K."
"Fourth, the NHS exists to treat sick patients and not just the non-disabled sick. The de-prioritizing of the vulnerable is not only ethically wrong, there is no medical justification for it. The vulnerability of these patients should make them a top treatment priority."