Care provider to allow non-vaccinated visitors next week

A care provider will now allow visitors who have not been vaccinated after changing their stance on the issue.

Barchester Healthcare initially said it was against the decision to allow all visitors into care homes from next week.

However a spokesperson for the firm said they are now “looking forward” to welcoming relatives back into their homes “in an appropriately safe manner”.

Barchester will also lobby the government for designated visitors to be prioritised for vaccination.

A statement released on Thursday said: “We are looking forward to having visitors back in our homes in an appropriately safe manner.

“We will be aligning with Government guidance ensuring the designated visitor(s) per resident are supported in complying with the protocols including the use of PPE and being tested using a Lateral Flow Device test before entering a home, and our preference is that they are also vaccinated, if possible, but as many of our relatives have told us they are not able to be vaccinated as yet this is not something we will mandate.

“However we are lobbying with the Government for designated visitors to be prioritised for a vaccination and will continue to engage with relatives and residents.”