Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) wrote to NPHET in early November urging them to look at visiting in nursing and care homes and are delighted to see that their recommendations have been taken on board.
Sharon Foley, CEO of IHF says:
“Our work with nursing homes and residential care homes all over Ireland gave us a real insight into the distressing and difficult situations whereby families have been deeply worried and saddened by lack of visits to their elderly loved relatives. The change in visiting announced today means that the distress for both families and residents will be somewhat eased on the run up to Christmas and will begin to have a positive impact on the quality of life of those 25,000 plus residents.”
While the previous restrictions were limited to those allowed on critical and compassionate grounds only, the changes mean that our most vulnerable people will get to interact more with their loved ones.
“Up to now the guidance on restrictions had no difference between Level 3 and Level 5 as set out by the government” Sharon Foley stated, “Now at least there are different levels that give better guidance for healthcare workers in nursing and residential care settings and most importantly gives vital face to face contact for our most valued and vulnerable section of society.”
Media Contacts:
Lynn Murtagh, Head of Marketing & Communications, Irish Hospice Foundation, email [email protected] or call 085 1052058
