Keir: I will stop your loved ones dying alone
EXCLUSIVE
JOHN STEVENS Political Editor KEIR Starmer has pledged to change the law to stop the scandal of care home residents being forced to die alone.
The Labour leader backed campaigners demanding a legal right to visits from loved ones as he answered questions from our readers – with hundreds of you getting in touch with things you wanted to ask the man who could be our next Prime Minister.
Nicola Gregson and Jane Wierwierzbowska asked if he would support Gloria’s Law – the right for one relative or friend to always have contact with a loved one in hospitals or care settings.
The friends from Cirencester, Glos, lost their mums, who had dementia, in care homes during the pandemic.
Gloria’s Law is named after the mother of actress Ruthie Henshaw. The West End star had to watch the decline of her mum, who died in 2021, through a window in lockdown and campaigns for change.
Even after the pandemic, families face issues visiting in some care settings, campaigners and ministers report. The Government said
I couldn’t hold or hug Mum. It’s absolutely appalling and it must never happen again
it will change rules for care prov-iders but camp-aigners want more, with all patients in hospital and care homes having the legal right to a named supporter.
Ms Gregson, 64, lost mum Susan aged 89. She said: “We were not able to be there. We were called for an end-of-life visit and she rallied to the extent we were banned again, which will live with me.”
Ms Wier-wierzbowska, 69, was not allowed to hold mum Patricia’s hand for her last 10 months before she died aged 91. She said: “When the home went into lockdown she effectively was losing her memory, she had recently lost her mobility and it was like she had lost her family too. She felt utterly helpless.
“I couldn’t hold her or hug her. It’s absolutely appalling and it must never happen again.”
Mr Starmer said he backed calls “for a legal right for care home residents to have visits from loved ones”. He said: “My government will be focused on ensuring everyone has the support they need in their health and care. We will work with campaigners to remove any barriers to that. And as we mark the fourth anniversary of the first lockdown, we remember those who weren’t able to be with their loved ones through the hardest moments, or say goodbye.”
Care Rights UK’S Helen Wildbore said while the Tories have made changes they have failed to enshrine the right to an essential care supporter. She added: “We urge Labour to commit to this new law in their manifesto. Any of us could need it, at any time.”