Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
696. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health his plans to allow family members to visit and spend some time with persons receiving end-of-life care in hospitals and hospices; and the timeframe for same. [9352/20]
View answerWhile visiting restrictions are required in the context of a pandemic situation, national guidance issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and available on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website advocates a compassionate and practical approach in relation to visiting by friends and family, particularly in the context of the care of the dying.
A guidance document on Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Possible or Confirmed COVID-19 in a Pandemic Setting was published on 8 May 2020. It notes that while visiting restrictions will be required in a pandemic, local risk assessment and practical management must be considered, ensuring the response is both pragmatic and proportionate. Specific scenarios where a compassionate and practical approach is required include care of the dying.
Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities published by the HSE on 4 May 2020 state that all but essential visiting by family and friends is suspended in the interests of protecting residents at this time. However, the Guidelines also acknowledge that a compassionate, pragmatic and proportionate approach is required in the care of those who are dying. The presence of a person close to the resident should be facilitated in so far as it is possible, and they should be aware of the potential infection risk. Both guidance documents note the need for hand and respiratory hygiene and for the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
The Taoiseach recently announced a Roadmap for the future easing of restrictions on a phased basis. Phase 3, from 29 June, will see the commencement of a phased approach to visiting at hospitals, residential healthcare centres and other residential settings bearing in mind the particular features of types of settings and each individual centre, also considering PPE availability and other protections.
The HPSC is developing guidance on the easing of visiting restrictions and this will be discussed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) at the appropriate time. Careful consideration is being given to balance the risk of disease against providing opportunities for loved ones to come together.
