Emer Higgins
Question:739. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on private nursing homes limiting visits to patients to 30 minutes once a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17229/20]
View answerTuesday, 21 July 2020
Questions (739)
Written answers
Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents and have a range of legal responsibilities under the regulatory framework, including the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013.
People living in long-term residential care facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of COVID-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes. The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support nursing homes and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.
In line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time.
In light of the above , and on the basis that the COVID-19 disease status in the country remains in its current stable condition, the NPHET recommended that from 15th of June, the phased resumption of indoor visiting of residents in residential care facilities may commence in accordance with guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). The guidance which is published and available on the HSPC's website advises that indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is presently permissible certain criteria are followed, including limiting the time associated with visits. During an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 within a residential care facility, the guidance advises that all but essential visiting is suspended in the interests of protecting residents, visitors and staff. The various criteria are in place having regard to the public health advice.
It is recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable. Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction.
Visitor guidance is being further refined by the HPSC at present and it is anticipated that updated guidance will be available shortly, once the refinement is complete. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community.