Launch of LeDeR policy: Learning from Lives and Deaths

NHS England and NHS Improvement has published a new LeDeR Policy this week.

NHS England have said the policy was co-produced with a wide range of partners including self-advocacy groups, who worked together on challenging questions about the future of the LeDeR programme.

NHS England hope the policy will make the jobs and roles of people in all parts of the system clearer.

And that the policy will mean different parts of the health and social care system work together better to deliver the programme from June 2021.

The policy sets out how NHS England will make sure that reviewers work in teams, and that they are given dedicated time and capacity to complete LeDeR reviews within 6 months.

Learning Disability England welcomes the fact that the policy:

  • Focuses on action & change
  • Strengthens governance
  • Sets out clear roles & purpose
  • Includes all autistic people and people with learning disabilities

Carinder Malhi, self advocate with a learning disability said: “LeDeR is all about learning from the deaths of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. So it is good to have a policy that makes sure our voices are heard and lessons are learnt. Too many people with learning disabilities are still dying when it could have been avoided.”

However, the opportunity to work with people and families on the learning and changes locally and nationally will be a particularly important aspect to the success of the new policy.

Kate Chate, family member, said:

“That the way forward includes ensuring that changes are made to the system, and that outcomes have been set to reduce avoidable death and to include individuals and families is so reassuring. It feels like a positive step in the right direction.”