‘A risk we can’t take’

The head of NHS Lanarkshire has warned reintroducing indoor visiting in care homes could be “catastrophic”.

Responding to Campbell’s heartbreaking letter, Gabe Docherty (pictured) said: “Families and residents have my full sympathy as I know how challenging the current restrictions are to live with.

“These decisions are not taken lightly. Unfortunately, the local prevalence of COVID-19 is such that we are not able to reintroduce indoor visiting at this time.

“To do so would substantially increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading to our most vulnerable residents, which could – and most likely would – have catastrophic consequences. That is a risk I simply cannot accept.”

Mr Docherty thanked families and residents for their “understanding ,” moving to reassure them that the health board would continue to assess the situation closely.

He added: “I am keen that indoor visiting is reinstated as soon as there is evidence it is safe to do so.”

Meanwhile, a Scottish Government spokesman said: “We know how difficult visiting restrictions have been, and we have huge sympathy for all those affected.

“It is only natural after six months of lockdown restrictions that care home residents and their loved ones will want to see and interact with each other as much as possible.

“The Cabinet Secretary has met with families who have raised this issue and is acutely aware of the importance of visits for the health and wellbeing of both residents.

“We continue to work with Scottish Care and other care home stakeholders on staged approach to safely reintroduce visiting in care homes while COVID-19 remains in Scotland.

“We are actively looking at what we can do to increase flexibility around visiting restrictions.”