Care home residents and hospital patients will have their right to visitors in all circumstances protected under Government plans to bring forward new legislation following a campaign from Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, during the pandemic.

Ms Kearns continued her campaign and has since secured long term changes to the law. 

Following reported incidents where visiting access in health and care settings is being unfairly denied, the Government is seeking views from patients, care home residents, their families and providers on the introduction of secondary legislation on visiting restrictions.

The proposed legislation on visiting in health and care settings will make visiting a legal requirement for hospitals, care homes, mental health units. On top of this, other health and care settings and care regulators will have new powers to make sure providers are allowing families to visit loved ones. 

The new legislation will strengthen visiting rules, providing the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with a clearer basis for identifying where hospitals and care homes are not meeting the required standard. 

Alicia Kearns MP, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said: "Family and friends are advocates, not visitors. Their support increases the safety and health outcomes of those being cared for. 

"During the pandemic I fought for months until every single hospital across the UK dropped their cruel and medically illogical restrictions on partners being present during all stages of birth, as well as miscarriages and operations. 

"I am very pleased my campaign has been successful, and the Government's new proposed legislation will now ensure no one will face unnecessary restrictions. I'd encourage everyone to share your experiences on visiting in the Government's online consultation so we can make sure this legislation is right for everyone" 

Now, an online consultation is taking place, and Ms Kearns is encouraging everyone to have their say to share their experiences. This can be done until 16 August 2023.

Challenges around visiting and accompanying family members and loved ones to hospital were exacerbated during the Covid pandemic. Alicia led a national campaign to successfully end lone births during the pandemic, ensuring that pregnant women were allowed to have a partner by their side.