AQW 16608/17-22
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 19/03/2021
Answered On Date: 20/04/2021
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the correspondence he has had with care providers in order to facilitate face-to-face visits for residents and their families; and for his assessment of the difficulties currently faced by relatives trying to visit loved ones in care homes.
Answer:
Guidance for nursing and residential care homes in Northern Ireland was first issued on 17 March 2020 and an updated version issued on 26 April 2020, which detailed information for the care home sector regarding visiting restrictions and included advice about visiting at end of life. This guidance continues to be updated in line with scientific advice. Guidance on the principles for visiting in care settings including care partner arrangements, was published on 23rd September. Supplementary information was provided on 13th November with a letter issued to providers and Trusts the same day. There continues to be a significant number of families who still feel they have not been able to visit their relatives with any kind of regularity or be in a position to set up care partner arrangements, in line with regional guidance. It is my stated position that care home visiting and the utilisation of care partners’ support can be safely facilitated through compliance with the regional principles for visiting in care settings that are clearly set out in the existing guidance. I understand that some providers remain cautious about permitting visiting based on their experiences to date of managing the transmission and the impact of COVID-19 but with the support of Trusts, PHA, HSCB and the RQIA, we are keen to allay those fears. Guidance provided by my Department sets out the approach as to how safely managed visiting can be achieved as well as a clear expectation that where possible the care partner role will be facilitated should families wish to avail of it. Where homes are seeking to implement visiting and care partner guidance, funding is available to them. In addition, local Trusts will continue to engage with care homes to assist in the implementation of visiting guidance. The RQIA will also assess the approach being used when undertaking inspections of residential and nursing homes, and consider compliance against the relevant care standards. The most recent letter issued to the sector in April 2021 by the Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Social Work Officer underlines these points and provides additional clarity. I can also confirm that under the auspices of the PHA, a ‘Moving Towards Normalised Care Home Visiting in Northern Ireland Task and Finish Group’ has been established. The purpose of the Group is to develop an approach, for my endorsement, which will support a safe and proportionate return to normalised care home visiting as restrictions in Northern Ireland are eased from April 2021. The Grouping is made up of representatives from the:- HSCB, PHA, RQIA, Trusts, COPNI and PCC; Departmental policy Directorates; Representatives from various relatives Groupings; and the Independent Healthcare Providers As the Group’s work is progressed support for the sector in facilitating visiting and establishing and maintaining Care Partners arrangements will continue.
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