Families could soon be allowed visit the elderly in nursing homes again.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has told the Dáil this afternoon that he has instructed the HSE to look into the possibility of reopening the care facilities to visitors.
The isolation and loneliness of our elderly in nursing homes has been one of the most heartbreaking consequences of the coronavirus lockdown.
But now the Minister is giving some hope that visits could resume in the near future.
The best way to facilitate these would be to have the visits take place in outdoor areas.
Mr Harris said: “I am pleased to report the health service is examining the issue of easing some visitor restrictions and assessing whether we can allow visitors to meet members of their families outside.
“I don’t wish to raise any hopes but I also want families to know we are looking at this and we hope we will make progress on this matter shortly.”
He added: “Over the past number of weeks, I have made contact with residents of nursing homes to talk directly to them.
“They are full of steel, resolve and determination but they also spoke of their loneliness.
“When we took the decision to introduce visitor restrictions, we did so with a heavy heart knowing the impact this would have on their friends and families.”
