Covid 19: Care home visiting pilot starts in Hampshire

Some care homes in Hampshire are taking part in a pilot scheme launching today to allow visits inside.

One family member or friend will be offered a coronavirus test before they can do so.

If successful, the scheme, which is also being trialled in Devon and Cornwall, could be rolled out to other homes ahead of Christmas.

It means visits could take place without a screen.

The Department for Health says regular testing will be "offered to one family member or friend per resident, which – when combined with other infection-control measures such as PPE – will support meaningful visits."

The three areas have been chosen because of their lower transmission rates.

Visitors will be offered either PCR tests which they can do at home, or the new 30-minute rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs), which can be administered in person at care homes before a visit.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I know how heart-breaking restricting visits to care homes has been, not only for residents, many of whom will feel disoriented and confused by the situation, but also their loved ones who aren’t able to simply hug each other to support them in this difficult time.

“Thanks to the expanding testing capacity we have in place we can now begin to trial a new way to allow safer visits to take place and prevent the spread of Covid-19. I must stress this is only possible if the public takes the right actions now to bring the transmission rate under control while national restrictions are in place.

“By respecting social distancing and staying at home as much as possible we will help reunite families and friends with loved ones in care homes as quickly as possible.

“We will be encouraging and supporting care homes to facilitate visits to go ahead in a COVID-secure way wherever possible.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said: “The pandemic has torn many lives apart but few have been more affected than people living in care homes and their families.

“I know visits from loved ones are what makes life worth living for many care home residents, yet these have been few and far between over the last few months. Visits with a screen or window are better than nothing for many, but they are too confusing or simply impossible for people with advanced dementia.

“Covid is a cruel disease that takes those who are most vulnerable, particularly older people, and it’s hard to stop it spreading in people’s homes, whether that’s a family home or even in a care home. That’s why there have had to be restrictions on visiting, but also why we are putting care home visitors front of the queue as we bring more tests on stream.

“As Christmas approaches, I want to bring an end to the pain of separation and help care homes bring families and loved ones together. The launch of visitor testing is a crucial step to making that happen.”

Each care home receiving LFTs will receive a box of 675 initially and will be given access to more as required.