Care home visits to be kept under review
NHS Lanarkshire and partners are offering assurances to care home residents and their families that the reinstatement of indoor visiting remains under close review.
Although outdoor visiting continues, as well as essential indoor visits, officials continue to work with the care home sector following a decision not to reintroduce routine indoor visiting. The move was made specifically on public health grounds, directly linked to well-publicised local clusters and cases in Lanarkshire.
The reinstatement of indoor visiting had been under consideration for possible launch on Monday, August 24, in line with Scottish Government advice, taking all safety aspects into account.
Gabe Docherty, director for public health, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “It is important to note that plans to progress with indoor visiting were considered in the context of local community prevalence of Covid-19 and any increase in new infections.
“I considered these issues locally in conjunction with the Health Protection Team. Due to concern about the development of cases and clusters in Lanarkshire, and elsewhere, we are not able to reintroduce indoor visiting in Lanarkshire care homes at this time.
“Families of residents should be absolutely assured that we will continue to discuss and assess the situation with colleagues. I am keen that indoor visiting is reinstated as soon as I am content that it is safe to do so.”
Indoor visiting for end-of-life care or to support a resident’s wellbeing at times of distress can continue, as long as all infection prevention and control measures are in place, including appropriate use of PPE.
Mr Docherty, who wrote to all care homes advising of the decision not to go ahead, added: “I am aware that the current situation will cause a level of anxiety and disappointment among care home residents and their loved ones. We must, however, ensure that we do everything we can to protect care home residents, staff and their families as we continue to address the challenges that Covid-19 presents.
“This has been, and continues to be, a very challenging time for care home residents, their families and, indeed, staff.
“I am aware of the hard work and due diligence that went into ensuring necessary preparations were in place across the sector for the possible commencement of indoor visiting. I also know this decision has been disappointing for care home staff too.”