Calderdale’s pilot scheme to allow families to visit loved ones in care homes under way.

Coun Bob Metcalfe (Lab, Town), who is Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Adults’ Services and Wellbeing, reported to the full council that the issue was a difficult one but had rightly received a lot of coverage nationally, regionally and locally.

“I am aware that several members have, like me, been contacted about this and the distress this is causing for residents and their families not being able to meet for, in some cases, many months.

“One recent report stated that deaths from dementia have risen by 50 per cent in the last six months – which many relatives believe related to lack of contact with loved ones.

“I have held discussions on this and it is good to see our local pilot under way with homes to test ways and means to enable visiting to take place.

“This is, of course, without compromising safety,” he said.

Coun Metcalfe said work was also happening with four nursing homes on the possibility of using rapid flow testing, when Calderdale receives its allocation, to be used in a scheme.

Suggestions were being worked up and explored with managers to ensure visits can safely take place in as many care and nursing homes as possible.

Speaking on his report at the meeting, Coun Metcalfe independent risk assessments were to be carried out to address the challenges posed by the different types of buildings in which

Calderdale’s care homes were situated as these have different sizes, layouts and were different types of building, some adapted, some purpose built.

On the pilot, Coun Metcalfe said: “We are seeing some very good results and it has been well received.

“Importantly, no there have been outbreaks related to the pilot,” he said.