NHS Lanarkshire and partners are offering assurance to care home residents and their families that the reinstatement of indoor visiting remains under close review.

Although outdoor visiting continues, as well as essential indoor visits, officials continue to work with the care home sector following a decision not to reintroduce routine indoor visiting. The decision was made specifically on public health grounds, directly linked to well-publicised local clusters and cases in Lanarkshire.

The reinstatement of indoor visiting had been under consideration for possible launch earlier this week (Monday August 24), in line with Scottish Government advice, taking all safety aspects into account.

Gabe Docherty, director for public health, NHS Lanarkshire, explained:  “It is important to note that plans to progress with indoor visiting were considered in the context of local community prevalence of COVID-19 and any increase in new infections.

“I considered these issues locally in conjunction with the Health Protection Team. Due to concern about the development of cases and clusters in Lanarkshire, and elsewhere, we are not able to reintroduce indoor visiting in Lanarkshire care homes at this time.

“Families of residents should be absolutely assured that we will continue to discuss and assess the situation with colleagues. I am keen that indoor visiting is reinstated as soon as I am content that it is safe to do so.”

Mr Docherty, who wrote to all care homes advising of the decision not to go ahead, added: “I am aware that the current situation will cause a level of anxiety and disappointment among care home residents and their loved ones. We must, however, ensure that we do everything we can to protect care home residents, staff and their families as we continue to address the challenges that COVID-19 presents.”

Indoor visiting for end of life care or to support a resident’s wellbeing at times of distress can continue, as long as all infection prevention and control measures are in place, including appropriate use of PPE.

Mr Docherty added: “This has been, and continues to be, a very challenging time for care home residents, their families and, indeed, staff.

“I am aware of the hard work and due diligence that went into ensuring necessary preparations were in place across the sector for the possible commencement of indoor visiting. I also know this decision has been disappointing for care home staff too.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their continued support during the pandemic and everything they are doing to keep care home residents safe.”

Renewed appeal for outdoor visitors to be mindful of safety

Window visits, where care home residents can speak with friends and family through a window have been in place throughout lockdown and are still permitted, however these visits must be scheduled with the care home to avoid risk of increased footfall in the grounds and to ensure adequate support for residents.

A renewed appeal has been made by the nurse directors of the North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships for all outdoor visitors to observe guidelines.

Trudi Marshall, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire nurse director, said: “When visiting care homes it’s vital people continue to physically distance, wear a face covering and practice good hand hygiene.

“It is also vitally important that anyone who is a designated visitor for a family member in a care home complies with all current Scottish Government guidance in their personal life.

“The vast majority of people have adhered to this and we’re very grateful to them. It’s important that people don’t let any complacency creep in and that no family members in care homes are put at risk.”

Lesley Thomson, South Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership nurse director, added: “The staff in care homes are working extremely hard and making personal sacrifices. It’s important that people recognise this and do all they can to avoid bringing the virus to care homes.

“The pandemic has meant we – all of us – have faced challenges we have never seen before in our lifetimes. Our overriding objective is about protecting the lives of our care home residents and staff.”