The government is proposing a move to strengthen visiting rights for patients and give the Care Quality Commission (CQC) stronger footing to assess health settings.
Current NHS England and government guidance recognises that, across both the care and hospital sectors, providers are expected to facilitate visits for patients; doing so in a “risk-managed way” in the face of Covid-19 or other potential outbreaks.
Despite this, some visitors are purportedly unfairly denied access to their loved ones, subsequently sparking a government consultation on new legislation.
The proposed amendments would see the CQC given more distinct guidelines around visiting and thus a clearer lens to adjudge and, if necessary, sanction settings that aren’t complying with regulations.
The CQC would be able to enforce measures consistent with which it can for other regulatory breaches – by issuing warning notices, imposing conditions, and suspending and cancelling registrations.
We are consulting on changing the law to protect visiting rights and to ensure this is a priority for care home providers, hospitals, and hospices.
— Will Quince MP 🇬🇧 (@willquince) June 22, 2023
To find out more and take part in the Govt consultation 👇https://t.co/h20HUC4geE pic.twitter.com/fBJOK9Fjlr
The consultation is open to everyone from healthcare professionals and providers to patients, social care residents and their families.
“I have listened to campaigners who have been so courageous in telling their stories,” said care minister Helen Whately. “I encourage everyone who cares about visiting to take this opportunity to have your say on our plans to legislate for visiting.”
Health minister Will Quince added: “It’s important that people feedback on the consultation, we want to make sure the legislation is right for everyone. If you’ve experienced unjust visiting bans, please share your experience.”
Image credit: iStock
