Care Settings: Family Visits

Health and Social Care – in the House of Commons at on 11 July 2023.

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Photo of Dan Carden Dan Carden Labour, Liverpool, Walton

What steps he is taking to ensure that people in care settings are permitted family visits.

Photo of Helen Whately Helen Whately Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I know how important it is for people in care homes, hospitals and hospices to see their family and friends. The majority of health and care providers follow national guidance. I do not want anyone to worry about not being able to visit a loved one, which is why in June we launched a consultation to change the law on visiting.

Photo of Dan Carden Dan Carden Labour, Liverpool, Walton

As the Minister knows, last month I introduced my ten-minute rule Bill, the Care Supporters Bill, to make sure that we recognise in law the value of the care of a loved one. Will her consultation differentiate between a care supporter and a visitor? Currently, the Care Quality Commission does not investigate individual cases. Will it have the power to do that in future?

Photo of Helen Whately Helen Whately Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

First, I commend the hon. Member for his campaign on this issue. He has been a powerful advocate and draws on his own experience, as do I. He is probably asking me to pre-empt the outcome of the consultation. I encourage him and others concerned about this matter to put their views into that consultation, and we will respond once it is closed.