Tony Lloyd backs calls for new legal right to visit loved ones in hospital or in care settings

Sir Tony Lloyd MP

Rochdale MP, Sir Tony Lloyd is backing a proposal for a new law to make it a legal right for families to visit loved ones in care settings. 

The Bill has cross-party support and is backed by more than 70 charities and voluntary organisations. In the letter, they write: "Everyone using health and care services should have the legal right to at least one Care Supporter – a relative or friend to provide practical or emotional support when it is needed.

"Recent experience has shown that restrictions have borne hardest on people placed in vulnerable situations including older and disabled people, those affected by dementia, strokes or other cognitive impairments, people with a learning disability or autism, or with mental or physical ill heath. 

"They often need the support of a family carer to challenge decisions made at care homes or in hospitals. People giving birth, receiving hospital treatment or a diagnosis should always be supported by at least one person of their choice." 

It closes off by making the point that "this is not a party-political issue, it is one of equality and fairness that has support from across Parliament and beyond." 

Mr Lloyd said: "Since the pandemic, some care homes and hospitals have acted slowly in allowing normal access and a hangover remains from Covid which means it's possible to keep family and friends away. 

"We have seen the harmful impact that separation and isolation has on individuals, but in particularly for those who are approaching the end of life. 

"The government has been slow to change things and we should ask who has the right to maintain contact with our loved ones, regardless of health or care needs — hospitals or care homes, or family and friends to make that choice? I think the answer is obvious."