MP CALLS ON MINISTERS TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF CARE HOME RESIDENTS TO MEET LOVED ONES

Immediate release: Friday 24 June

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has written to the Health Secretary highlighting the harm and misery caused to people isolated within the health and care system, and has called for his intervention.

In a joint letter to Sajid Javid, cross-party MPs from across the regions and nations have come together to ask for the urgent introduction of a legal right that guarantees contact with a ‘care supporter’ when it is required.

The rights of those in care settings to maintain contact with their loved ones are so important, and while there are some examples of good practice there is too much uncertainty and variability throughout the system.

People using services and their families have told of harrowing experiences that separation has caused, in some cases residents were threatened with eviction notices for highlighting Government guidance.

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper commented: “The mental health impact on both those in care settings and their families is drastic, where barriers are put in place for them to see each other and provide support.

“A legal right to contact for those in care settings must be enshrined in law, and I am pleased the Minister for Care has committed the Department for Health and Social Care to keeping the need for legislative options under active review.

“We now need to see the Secretary of State act and bring forward legislation to support the right to contact, as championed by MPs from across the House including the Government’s own party, and over 30 organisations including Mencap, Mind and Alzheimer’s Society.”