Limited access to good dental care during COVID-19 lockdowns meant some people with learning disabilities had little option but to go to the emergency department

Three years ago, following surgery to remove all her teeth, a Worcestershire nursing home resident died at the age of 49. Rachel Johnston, who had ‘significant learning disabilities’, struggled to breathe after discharge back to her home after the procedure in 2018, but staff failed to carry out vital observations or seek emergency assistance. An inquest later concluded that neglect by nursing home staff had contributed to Ms Johnston’s death.