Two-test approach introduced for care home visitors so they can see their loved ones

Face to face care home visits have been successfully trialled in the borough of Rochdale after a testing system was piloted last week.

The innovative approach, successfully piloted at the Willows Dementia Hub in Rochdale, requires visitors to have a standard PCR coronavirus test and a lateral flow Covid-19 test prior to an arranged visit.

If both tests are returned negative, then relatives are given the all clear to have a face to face visit with their loved ones in line with the care home’s booking system.

The pilot followed the council’s initial advice to local care homes not to rely solely on the lateral flow tests for visitors, because of serious concerns about their accuracy.
 

Read more: Council strongly advises local care homes not to use rapid test kitsPublished: 03 December 2020

 

Rochdale Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow said the council stepped in to ensure care home visitors had a second Covid-19 test, after concerns the lateral flow test technology would not provide enough accuracy.

Mr Rumbelow said: “We worked with colleagues across Greater Manchester to put in place a safe testing regime, along with support for care homes, to deliver what is a complex process.

“The pilots were very successful, with relatives visiting loved ones and having safe face to face contact in care settings for the first time in months.

“Our approach ensures face to face visits can take place if care homes want them, but with an extra level of protection and support in place for residents, staff and visitors. I am also aware that a number of care homes have yet to receive the government testing kits so our action has also enabled them to bring forward visiting plans.

“I would like to again thank care homes across the borough for working in partnership with us on this important issue. I know how supportive they are of the action we have taken, helping them to prioritise care and staff resources where they are needed most.

“We are at a crucial stage in our fight against coronavirus infection rates, so our number one priority is protecting vulnerable residents and staff from Covid-19 but ensuring visits can take place in safe and secure environment.

“I am proud of the work we have done to deliver this testing process and I thank everyone involved in its delivery, as well as paying tribute to the care sector for their ongoing work.”

Rochdale Council's position mirrors that of other local authorities across Greater Manchester which all require people to take two separate tests within days of each other to make sure it is safe to visit a care home.

Face to face visits can only take place in care homes not currently under outbreak control, with decisions on how to proceed up to individual homes. Individual care homes will be contacting relatives to outline the details of their visiting policy.