One year post nursing home visitor restrictions: NHI welcomes NPHET commitment to revision of visitation guidance
Friday March 5, 2021Staff should be recognised by State
5th March 2021: One year after NHI recommended its nursing homes implement visitor restrictions to protect residents and staff from the deadly Covid19 virus, NHI welcomes public health prioritising assessment of visitor restrictions with view to easing such. Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO states: “Our decision taken one year ago on 6th March represented a defining moment during Covid19 as the reality of managing this deadly virus really started to emerge for our nursing homes. The year has taken a huge toll on residents and staff within our nursing homes in Ireland and across the world. One year on, the rollout of the vaccination is bringing great relief and hope to nursing home residents and staff. We take this opportunity to welcome recent confirmation by NPHET and public health authorities that visitor restrictions are being assessed with view to resuming safe, in-person visits in our nursing homes. We hope the vaccination gives scope for a considered process that will facilitate the return of in-person contact between residents and their loved ones. We continue to advance the issue with public health authorities and are available to inform and engage.”
He also said the heroic efforts of staff should be recognised by the State in the near future. “The past year has proven so challenging, exhausting, distressing and upsetting for nursing home staff, with Covid19 taking a huge toll on them. One year on, the State should look at formally recognising their heroism and great sacrifice. It should also recognise the exceptional dedication towards care by staff in our nursing homes by bringing into effect a proper framework to support nursing homes going forward.”
Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, is if available for further comment. Interviews will be facilitated by Michael McGlynn, NHI Communications and Research Executive, who can be contacted at 087 9082970.