Precarious balance between compassion and safety ahead of care home visit re-start, as GMB asks for worker assurances
Speaking ahead of the re-start of indoor visits to care homes across Scotland today (Monday 1 March), Rhea Wolfson of GMB Scotland’s Women’s Campaign Unit said: “The balance between compassion and safety is precarious at this moment. Confidence is fragile among care home workers and there can be no room for complacency.
“That’s why ahead of the return to care home visits GMB has asked the Scottish Government to ensure the delivery of three basic provisions:
- Safe levels of staffing provision in homes.
- A whistleblowing facility for worker safety.
- Stringent enforcement of government safety guidelines.
“Everyone wants to see families reunited but government and employers owe a great debt to these key workers after the last year, and it’s important their voices are now being heard.”
The Scottish Government has published new guidance for care homes on visiting during the pandemic plus tools and resources on visiting and supporting residents in homes with COVID-19.
You can access this here: http://bit.ly/3fY3MFq
The guidance supports adult care home residents to resume meaningful contact with loved ones. This begins with up to two designated visitors, and a total of two visits a week.This will become normal practice in all but exceptional circumstances, such as a COVID-19 outbreak.
It is hoped to gradually increase the frequency and the number of people who can visit.