Why we urgently need Gloria’s Law

6 June 2023

Diane Mayhew, the Rights for Residents Campaign Manager (then) at Care Rights UK, tells MPs why they must pass Gloria’s Law - a right to the support of at least one family carer in health and care settings. This speech was presented to MPs at our event in Parliament on 6 June 2023, ‘The right to maintain contact with a Care Supporter in health and care settings (Gloria’s Law)’

Thanks so much to Dan Carden MP for arranging this important event today.

We’re not here today to talk about general visiting in hospitals and care homes. In fact, we’re not here to talk about visitors at all.

Families directly affected by this issue have been campaigning for Gloria’s Law – for over two and a half years now, fuelled by the traumatic experience of watching their loved one deteriorate in isolation during the pandemic.

Within the first few months of the pandemic it became apparent that isolating and locking vulnerable people away was having devastating consequences on their mental health and wellbeing. This must never happen again. Sadly ,we can’t bring back the precious lives lost, but we can make sure all of us are protected by this law, now and in the future.

This legal change would ensure all of us had the right to maintain contact with a loved one in all health and care settings.

Having the support of a loved one is an essential component of care, and cannot be replicated by staff, no matter how wonderful they are. My own Dad died in hospital without even his wife, of over 60 years, by his side to say goodbye. This experience has left myself and my family completely traumatised.

If this legal right had have existed, my Dad and thousands of others, would not have died alone. We all need to have the support of a loved one, when we’re at our most vulnerable.