Nphet made it very clear there was no longer any public health justification for retaining visitor restrictions
The Health Minister must give a clear direction that visiting restrictions at hospitals and nursing homes should be lifted, according to Social Democrats Health Spokesperson Róisín Shortall.
“Last week, in their letter to government, Nphet made it very clear there was no longer any public health justification for retaining visitor restrictions at hospitals and nursing homes. Despite this, these restrictions are still in place. This must change.
“The past two years have been extremely difficult for patients and their families. This is especially true for elderly patients, some of whom have not seen their extended family or friends for a considerable period of time. This is causing huge trauma and is not assisting with people’s recovery.
“In the wider community, people are now able to freely mix in pubs and nightclubs. There is no justification for very restrictive visiting rules to remain in place in hospitals and nursing homes. These must be lifted as a matter of urgency.
“Health Minister Stephen Donnelly must give a very clear direction on this. We cannot have a repeat of what happened previously when restrictions in maternity hospitals were extended long beyond any public health rationale. The time to act is now, before any further hurt and pain is caused.”
25 January, 2022
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