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The Carer Digital
THECARERUK
Issue 22
THECARERUK
Banning Care Home Visitors Could Breach Human Rights Act – says Campaign Group
A recent spike in Covid infections has led some care homes placing a ban on non-essential visits, including family members, however campaigners working to improve life for those living with dementia claim the guidance given to care homes over visits to family members during the pandemic is unlawful, and could lead to possible legal action a barrister has warned. Earlier this month the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) wrote to all care providers in England warning of the rise in Covid cases within care homes, which led some care homes unilaterally deciding to ban all visitors and
due to infections rising in certain areas, and councils in Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland taking a t decision to close all of their care homes to visitors. John’s Campaign, which campaigns for family visiting rights and is represented by Leigh Day solicitors, has sent a pre-action protocol letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, to challenge the legality of the guidance governing visits since lockdown ended, which was published on 22 July 2020.
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