This petition was submitted by Kate Perry having collected a total of 187 signatures.

Text of Petition:                     

Sadly, were not alone being cut off from loved ones in hospital and care homes. My mum has alzheimers she isn't able to pick up a phone or use video chat to keep in touch. During the initial lockdown we didn't see what she looked like for 9 weeks, which was horrendous. Welsh Government guidelines are not clear enough and not all settings have the funds for equipment. This has to change. Everywhere should have a clear plan and ability to keep families in touch.

Additional Information:

Whilst I understand the safety needs around keeping vulnerable people safe from covid I don't understand the disregard for people's overall mental health. I know many people in the same situation with a loved one and not one hospital or care home are doing the same thing. Surely facilities and hospitals should have funding available and clear guidance on keeping families in touch as part of that person's holistic care. Welsh Government guidance states that people with learning disabilities or dementia should have visitors if not doing so would cause distress. You try proving that lack of contact is the cause of distress to someone who sometimes doesn't know who you are. Guidance states end of life is a reason for visits, but who decides at what point in that case you can visit? when the person isn't aware of you being there? It is not clear enough. Time is precious and we need clear guidance and funding so everywhere is following the same thing and families know there is hope in keeping in touch with their loved one.

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 20/09/2021.

The Committee acknowledged the challenging experiences when visits to Care Homes were restricted. As Wales is now on Alert Level Zero and the visiting guidance has been updated, the Committee concluded that there was little further they could do, and agreed to thank the petitioner for highlighting their concern and close the petition.

In doing so members agreed to thank the Minister for her engagement and write to her asking that issues raised in the petition are taken into consideration in the future should the situation arise again.

Full details of the consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 01/12/2020.

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Bridgend
• South Wales West

Further information

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