We’re calling on our supporters to write to their MPs, highlighting a recent House of Commons debate: “Guaranteeing the Right to Contact in Care Settings”.
As MPs were given less than a week’s notice of the debate many were unable to attend. During the debate MPs from all parties called on Ministers to amend existing legislation to ensure all those in health and care settings have the legal right to at least one essential Care Supporter that could visit them in all circumstances.
Please use our template letter and request the support of your MP today
Many Conservative MPs, as well as those in opposition, have joined the growing support for legislation and members from all parties spoke of the devastating impact that loneliness and isolation has had on the most vulnerable throughout the pandemic:
“The Minister will note that there is cross-party support for such a move – we could do it quickly, in time for the winter so I hope she will consider our pleas seriously” Tracey Crouch (Con)
“I cannot think of any other issue that commands such unanimous cross-party support “
Dan Carden (Lab)
“We must put an end to this scandal. We have to be able to say never again. As other members have said, there is cross party support, and we will work with the Government to put this into law” Daisy Cooper (Lib Dem)
Opening the debate Dan Carden, MP for Liverpool Walton said:
“People across the United Kingdom are still having to face their time in hospitals, care homes and other care settings completely alone and detached from the people they hold dearest. They are some of the most vulnerable and frail people in our society; some of them will be nearing the end of their lives. The devastating impact of this isolation and of denying contact with loved ones affects those in receipt of care and also their loved ones. It is difficult to imagine, unless we have personal experience, the anguish, pain and stress of not knowing when we will next see our loved one—our husband, wife, mother or father—and repeatedly asking ourselves, “Are they okay? Are they comfortable? Do they even know that I care?”
Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said that she “welcomed the debate” as it’s such an important issue:
“there is clearly still a problem. I have also seen the data from the Rights For Residents survey showing that 45% of responses said that restrictions on visiting had still been in place since April, and in 11% of outbreaks no visitors were allowed at all. Again, I am concerned to see that” … I have commissioned work on what I can do to sort this out. I assure all hon. Members on the Chamber and all those listening to the debate that I do not consider the status quo acceptable”.
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