Coalition calls for end to isolation

5 January 2022

The Relatives & Residents Association has sent a letter, on behalf of a coalition of organisations, to local health and care leaders calling for them to end harmful isolation practices and to help promote the rights of people in care. Organisations representing both care providers and users signed the joint letter highlighting the severe, detrimental impact isolation from family and friends can have on people living in care and the key role local leaders play in protecting their rights.

The letter seeks to address a barrier to visiting many are facing when local health teams impose blanket approaches. The letter calls on local health and care teams to fulfil their legal duties by ensuring restrictions on contact are proportionate. It also provides them with information resources to promote ‘essential caregivers’ to ensure every resident can benefit from this role, so vital to their wellbeing.

The joint action is an initiative of the Relatives & Residents Association, the campaign group Rights for Residents and academic Dr Caroline Emmer De Albuquerque Green of King’s College London. Signatories to the letter include Healthwatch England, the National Care Forum and Care England.

A copy of the letter sent to Directors of Public Health, Directors of Adult Social Services, Local Authority Public Health Teams and UKHSA Health Protection Teams is available here. It was accompanied by information resources (including a factsheet) to encourage local leaders to promote the role of essential caregiver.