Don’t get locked out because of an outbreak of Covid, Flu, D&V, or Norovirus this Christmas!
Please use the information in the template letter we have produced in partnership with the R&RA. Know your rights and challenge unlawful decisions with confidence.
Blanket approaches are unlawful under the Equality Act and the Human Rights Act. The law requires that risk assessments are carried out which should involve you as your loved one’s advocate. For decisions to restrict visiting to be lawful, the home must demonstrate how this interference with the right to a family life is proportionate to the risk of infection (Article 8 of the human rights act)
Send our template letter to the home informing them of their duty to operate within their legal duties and CQC regulations: (Click here to download)
If care providers are not complying with the guidance by facilitating visiting, send them the R&RAs guide Visiting and the Law and report concerns to the regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) If providers are not following the guidance, there’s a chance they will also be failing to comply with their legal duties under the Equality Act, Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act and the CQC’s regulations. Let the CQC know and get in touch with the R&RA helpline for support with this.
The Relatives & Residents Association Helpline can provide information, advice and support on the visiting guidance and relevant laws.
Tel: 020 7359 8136 (9.30am-1pm Monday to Friday, and 6pm-8pm on Thursday)
Email: helpline@relres.org
Live Webchat: available at www.relres.org
Christmas hours: the helpline will close at 4pm on Friday 23 December and reopen on Tuesday 3 January.
