People with learning disabilities die on average 23 to 27 years earlier than the wider population. The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) Programme looks at what could be the reasons behind this health inequality, and identifies how we can deliver improvements in the quality of health and social care of people with learning disabilities.

The LeDeR programme is commissioned by NHS England, coordinated by Bristol University, and delivered locally. Every death of a person with a learning disability is individually reviewed as part of the programme. The findings are then collated into national and local reports to identify key themes and learning points.

In each case the reviewer will look at the health needs of the individual and the care they were getting, as well as whether annual health checks were being carried out, the right services were being accessed, medication was being reviewed, and reasonable adjustments were being made.

In Birmingham and Solihull our local reviewers are sourced from a wide range of partner agencies who are supporting the CCG in delivery of the programme.

You can learn more about the national findings in a report produced by Bristol University.

Anyone can notify the LeDeR programme of the death of a person with a learning disability. You do not need anyone’s permission to report the death. More details can be found here.

Why LeDeR Matters:

Further information on the Birmingham and Solihull programme:

• Read our 2021 - 2024 Strategic Plan
• Read the Birmingham and Solihull Annual LeDeR Report 2019
• Read an easy read version of the Birmingham and Solihull LeDeR Report 2019 
• A film of the 2019 Birmingham and Solihull LeDeR annual report is available to watch below:

Further information on the national programme:

• University of Bristol easy read leaflet
• Notify a death information poster