Care visitation rights for 'Gloria's Law' debated in Commons

Minister for care Helen Whately acknowledged that "there is clearly still a problem" with care visitation rights in a progression of 'Gloria's Law,' named after Suffolk West End star Ruthie Henshall's mother.

Ms Henshall has been fighting for care home visits to be allowed to prevent residents "dying from loneliness" after her mother's health rapidly declined during lockdown and she passed away last year.

She said her mother had gone from someone who could move about and talk, as well as feed herself, to someone who sat alone in her room and had to be fed by staff.

She maintains this rapid decline in her mother's health is entirely due to the fact that she was confined to her room during the pandemic, with only occasional visits from care workers to make sure she is all right.

Ms Henshall has been working with campaign group Rights For Residents to introduce 'Gloria's law' which would give care home residents the right to access their friends and families.

Jenny Morrison co-founded Rights For Residents with Diane Mayhew in response to the "traumatic" experience of being separated from their mum during the pandemic.

"The debate demonstrated clear cross-party agreement for legislation that would end the isolation of those living in health and care settings, many of whom are still being denied access to their loved ones," said Miss Morrison.

Minister for care Helen Whately acknowledged that "there is clearly still a problem," citing a Rights for Residents survey in which 45% of respondents said that restrictions on visiting had still been in place since April and in 11% of outbreaks, no visitors were allowed at all.

Miss Morrison added: "MPs echoed our requests for ministers to meet with families that have been prevented from seeing their loved ones, in order to identify a legal route that would give those living in health and care settings an absolute right to at least one essential care supporter that can visit in all circumstances."