Following up concerns raised by constituents worried about the imposition of the second lockdown, Theresa Villiers asked Ministers to provide a means for relatives to visit elderly and disabled relatives living in care and supported accommodation.
The MP for Chipping Barnet has spoken up several times during the Covid emergency on issues relevant to the care sector and the people they look after.
She raised the question of care home visits with Jacob Rees Mogg MP, Leader of the House of Commons, in a debate on the future agenda for Parliament.
Speaking afterwards, Theresa Villiers said “My question was prompted by constituents desperate to see their relatives.”
“It is crucial that we take all measures necessary to keep Covid out of care settings. But I really hope that ways will be found to ensure people can visit their relatives in a Covid-secure way. The long periods of separation caused by lockdown are very hard on vulnerable people, especially those with dementia or learning disabilities which impair their ability to understand why visits have been stopped.”
Shortly after the question was asked, the Government published new guidance on care home visits which can be read here. The exchange between Theresa and Mr Rees Mogg was reported in Hansard:
“Question: The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP
Can I ask the Leader of the House to ensure that we have adequate time to debate the consequences of this new lockdown on those people who for many months have hardly seen their relatives in residential care? This is one of the most painful aspects of the covid emergency, particularly for people whose capacity is impaired by dementia or learning disabilities. It is hugely painful for them that their relatives are not allowed to visit them. We are apparently allowed to exercise with one other individual outdoors, so is there any way in which that could be extended to enable people to see their relatives in care homes, albeit using an outdoor setting?
The Rt Hon Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Leader of the House of Commons
I have the greatest sympathy with what my right hon. Friend is saying. I have referred in this House before to a constituent of mine who wrote to me about going to see a parent with dementia and having to do so from the other side of a window, which was difficult and upsetting. For people in these circumstances, it is really tragic that the coronavirus has made it so difficult for families to be together. In terms of time for debate, there is a debate immediately after this, and I hope that my right hon Friend will be speaking in it and raising this point, because it is one of such great importance.”
