Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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771. To ask the Minister for Health if the guidelines issued to nursing homes on family visits will be reviewed to ensure, subject to public health, that the rights of residents and their families are respected and will include an independent appeal mechanism to deal with situations in which agreement cannot be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/20]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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People living in long-term residential care facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of COVID-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes. The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support nursing homes and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.

It is recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable. Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction. During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the wellbeing of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.

As the disease is becoming more suppressed in the community the National Public Health Emergency has advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence. This advice is reflected in the latest Cocooning and visiting guidance. Detail of this guidance is set out by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) at: .

In line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time. The advice is that a co-ordinated and standard national approach to the recommencement of visiting is taken.

In light of the above, and on the basis that the COVID-19 disease status in the country remains in its current stable condition, the NPHET recommended that from 15th of June, the phased resumption of indoor visiting of residents in residential care facilities may commence in accordance with guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The current guidance advises that indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is permissible in circumstances where certain criteria are followed. During an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 within a residential care facility, the guidance advises that all but essential visiting is suspended in the interests of protecting residents, visitors and staff.

Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. Under the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 as amended all nursing homes are required to have an accessible and effective complaints procedure, including an appeals process. They must investigate all complaints promptly, and following investigation put in place any measures required for improvement.

Visitor guidance is being further refined by the HPSC at present and it is anticipated that updated guidance will be available shortly, once the refinement is complete. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community.