SL10-Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes and Hospitals Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes and Hospitals Policy
1. Purpose
This policy sets out how {{org_field_name}} ensures that the people we support have their rights to visits and accompaniment upheld in line with the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly Regulation 9A. The policy ensures that people living in care settings, attending hospitals, or undergoing medical treatments can receive visits from family, friends, and advocates, and are supported to be accompanied where needed.
2. Scoape
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and contractors at {{org_field_name}} who facilitate and support visits to and from care homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. It is relevant to the people we support, their families, and external visitors.
3. Principles of Visiting and Accompanying in Care Settings
{{org_field_name}} is committed to upholding the rights of the people we support by ensuring that visiting and accompaniment arrangements are person-centred, safe, and in line with best practice. The following principles guide our approach:
Right to Receive Visits and Be Accompanied
Every person we support has the right to receive visits from family members, friends, and advocates. People attending hospitals or healthcare appointments have the right to be accompanied by a family member, friend, or advocate unless there are exceptional circumstances where it is deemed unsafe. Visits should be facilitated in a way that minimises disruption to the person’s daily routine while respecting their privacy and preferences.
Least Restrictive Measures
We work on the assumption that visits and accompaniment are possible and will put in place only necessary and proportionate precautions to ensure safety. Any restrictions on visits must be justified, lawful, proportionate, and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain necessary. Where restrictions are in place, alternative communication methods such as video calls or telephone calls will be provided.
Risk Management and Infection Control
All visits must comply with our infection prevention and control measures, ensuring that risks related to transmissible infections are minimised. Visitors showing symptoms of infectious illnesses, such as flu or COVID-19, may be asked to postpone their visit until they have recovered. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) may be provided where necessary, in line with Public Health England guidance. Where high-risk individuals are involved, additional measures such as scheduled visits in designated areas may be introduced to maintain safety.
Supporting Meaningful Visits
Visits should be planned around the person’s preferences, ensuring they occur at a time and place that is comfortable and convenient for them. Visiting areas should be welcoming, clean, and conducive to a relaxed experience. Staff will support visits by facilitating transportation, providing emotional reassurance, and ensuring the person has the necessary support to engage meaningfully with their visitors.
Facilitating Hospital Visits and Accompaniment
When a person we support is admitted to hospital, they will be given clear information about their right to have visitors. We will coordinate with hospital staff to ensure that visits are arranged and that our staff or family members can accompany the person where necessary. Where a person lacks the capacity to make decisions regarding visits, a best interests decision will be made following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 framework, with input from family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals. We will ensure that necessary adjustments are made to enable accompaniment, such as arranging for interpreters, mobility aids, or specialist support where required.
Managing Exceptional Circumstances
In rare cases where a visit poses a significant risk to the health, safety, or well-being of the person or others, a temporary restriction may be applied. If restrictions are in place, staff must provide a clear rationale and review these decisions regularly. Staff must ensure that individuals, families, and advocates are kept informed of any restrictions and that alternative visiting options are explored. In end-of-life care situations, visits should be prioritised, and every effort made to facilitate in-person contact between the person and their loved ones.
Communication and Transparency
All decisions regarding visits and accompaniment must be communicated clearly to the person we support and their families. Any concerns regarding visiting rights must be addressed promptly, and people should be informed of the process to challenge decisions if necessary. Staff should be trained on handling visiting and accompaniment requests sensitively and professionally.
Recording and Documentation
Records of visits and accompaniment arrangements must be maintained and reviewed regularly to ensure compliance and quality assurance. Where restrictions are placed on visits, the reasons and expected duration must be documented, with regular reviews conducted. Feedback from individuals and visitors should be collected and used to improve visiting arrangements.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
- Registered Manager: Ensures that visiting policies align with CQC regulations and that all necessary arrangements are in place.
- All Staff: Must support visits and accompaniment, ensuring that people’s rights are respected and that any concerns are addressed promptly.
- Family and Friends: Encouraged to maintain regular contact and communicate any specific needs or concerns regarding visits.
- Safeguarding Lead: Responsible for monitoring and addressing any safeguarding concerns related to visits.
- Health and Safety Lead: Ensures infection prevention and control measures are followed during visits.
5. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- SL09 – Consent to Care Policy
- SL13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- SL16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
- SL42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy
6. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes, CQC requirements, or organisational needs necessitate an update. Revisions will be communicated to all staff, ensuring continued compliance and best practice in facilitating visits and accompaniment in care settings.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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