LISTEN BACK: SAGE ADVOCACY DISCUSSES UPDATED HPSC GUIDANCE ON VISITING NURSING HOMES ON LMFM RADIO January 10, 2022

Listen back here to our Executive Director, Sarah Lennon, on LMFM's Michael Reade Show discussing the latest HSE/HPSC guidance on visiting nursing homes which comes into effect on 10/01/2022.

The guidance outlines that “regular visitors should be advised to consider self-testing for COVID-19 twice weekly even when they have no symptoms”.

The HPSC guidance also states that “occasional visitors should be advised to consider self- testing for COVID-19 before their visit even if they have no symptoms".

Ms Lennon said many family members have told Sage Advocacy that they already regularly self test with antigen tests to protect their family members.

But the Executive Director of Sage Advocacy said there could be further uncertainty and inconsistency around visiting arrangements depending on how some nursing home providers may interpret the latest guidance 

Ms Lennon said Sage Advocacy is very aware that some nursing home providers have previously not adhered to HPSC guidance and introduced their own restrictions on visiting.

Ms Lennon said Sage Advocacy has urged nursing home providers to adhere to all HPSC guidance at all times and to ensure the rights of residents are respected and protected.