Dr. Kathleen MacLellan:

In relation to visiting, everybody is understanding of and concerned about the effect of the visiting restrictions in nursing homes. However, they are a protective measure. We have ethical guidance on this issue through NPHET and what has happened to date is an attempt to promote and design a visiting framework that will be proportionate in protecting residents while supporting visiting in order that visits can continue appropriately. It is also important to say that the guidance has at no stage said there should be no visiting in relation to critical or end of life. We need to support our nursing homes in this and much of that is dependent on local risk assessments in relation to those nursing homes. In line with those local risk assessments, those nursing homes need to work to find processes and facilities that allow them to support visiting at those critical stages in life. Dr. Kennelly articulated earlier the ongoing work within the HSE around looking at a new framework for visiting and enhancing and expanding the visiting processes that are there. The guidance has been updated as we go along in line with public health guidance and there have been significant additions to the ability of nursing homes to provide and support visits from relatives. We are all conscious of the impact of where those people in our nursing homes can see their friends and family.