The Department of Health and Social Care is issuing comprehensive guidance and resources to make visitation rights clear to patients and residents in complex care homes.
The DHSC stated that its decision follows concerns about blanket restrictions and family members being denied access to vulnerable patients, as well as residents and families being cut out of decisions around care or visitation.
The department added that to ensure people’s rights are being protected, it will work closely with the Care Quality Commission to monitor compliance and intervene where necessary.
Resources that health and care settings will receive include:
• An explainer sheet or poster for people that details their visiting ‘rights’ under Regulation 9A and routes to complain if they feel these are not being followed
• Draft advice for care home providers to use to explain any necessary restrictions to residents, patients, and family members
• A public-facing decision-making process map which sets out important considerations for providers when making decisions about restrictions
The DHSC stated: “These will be co-produced with people who have experience of the system so they reflect the real needs, and we will work closely with the CQC to make sure visiting is a core part of its reform and improvement programme.
“Ministers are exploring bringing forward proposals for legislating visiting rights as part of wider reform work. This would further strengthen the framework around visiting rights – embedding a culture of open visiting and reinforcing the right to be supported by loved ones in setting across health and social care.”
Minister of state for care, Stephen Kinnock, added: “No one should be separated from their loved ones unnecessarily.
“Contact with family and friends should not be seen as a luxury, but a basic part of good care.
“This system must work for residents, patients, and their loved ones and we are ensuring it does.
“These changes will protect patients and residents, give families a stronger voice, and help make sure care is more-compassionate, open, and humane.”