More care homes must open to visitors, says minister

CARE HOMES and hospitals must allow visitors under plans being drawn up by the Government.

Care minister Helen Whately said people must be able to visit seriously ill loved ones, having previously spoken of being unable to visit her critically ill mother during the pandemic.

While official Covid visiting restrictions were dropped in spring, many care homes and hospitals continue to prevent relatives from visiting. Some vulnerable residents have even reportedly lost weight amid staff shortages, as their relatives cannot help them at mealtimes, while campaigners have raised concerns that residents are being left bedridden for too long.

Ms Whately told The Times: “I know how it feels. I didn’t know if I would see my mum alive again when she was very ill in hospital in the summer. I remember the feelings I had at the time – grief mixed with frustration and anger at a system that seemed to lack humanity.

“The vast majority of places are now allowing visits. Those who aren’t can follow their example on how it can and should be done.”

In June, NHS leaders instructed hospitals to return to pre-pandemic policies on visitors, stating that “no patient should be alone during their care unless that is their choice”, while in care homes government guidance restricting visitors was dropped at the end of March.

The Government could either force hospitals and care homes to allow relatives in through secondary legislation, instructing the Care Quality Commission to inspect visiting policies. Alternatively, primary legislation could be introduced but this would take longer to go through Parliament.

Helen Wildbore, director of the Relatives & Residents Association, said: “Access to relatives and friends is a lifeline for older people and no one should have to battle to get this vital support.”

Official data shows that 2 per cent of care homes in England are almost completely closed to visitors.