Council asks 84 Sunderland care homes to suspend 'non-essential' visits as city coronavirus cases rise again

Sunderland City Council has asked care homes to suspend all “non-essential” visits following the continued rise in coronavirus cases across the city.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Gillian Gibson, the city’s director of public health, made the assessment in a letter sent to 84 care homes in the area.

It follows the publication on September 10 of official figures showing that confirmed infections across Sunderland have risen by 32 to 2,121.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hospital visits are also now suspended by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust following a rise in covid-19 patient admissions.

Gillian Gibson, Sunderland's director of public health, has written to the city's care homes to inform them that "non-essential" care home visits are suspended.Gillian Gibson, Sunderland's director of public health, has written to the city's care homes to inform them that "non-essential" care home visits are suspended.
Gillian Gibson, Sunderland's director of public health, has written to the city's care homes to inform them that "non-essential" care home visits are suspended.

The advised ban on care home visits is until further notice although Ms Gibson, in her letter, stresses it “does not apply to residents who are on an end of life pathway”.

The letter adds: “Visits from healthcare professionals should continue, particularly as the flu vaccination programme will be starting soon and it is even more important that we ensure residents are protected against flu this year.

"However, it is essential that such visitors adhere strictly to PPE guidance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I know staff are continuing to work really hard to protect residents and themselves as they have been throughout the pandemic.”

The care home and hospital announcements come as Sunderland is set to be put on a Public Health England watchlist as an area receiving enhanced support.

More details are expected on Friday.

Around 3,000 care residents are potentially affected by any suspension.

Ms Gibson’s letter continues: “I appreciate that a huge amount of work was done by all care homes to implement covid secure visiting arrangements and as such the recommendation to suspend visiting will be disappointing news for both residents and their families.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I also understand that the ultimate decision on whether or not to allow visitors, and in what circumstances, is an operational decision for the provider and manager of each care home but I hope you will give due regard to my recommendation.

“Once again, thank you for all you and your staff continue to do to prevent infections in care homes and protect residents and colleagues.

“I will continue to review the situation and will communicate quickly any change to my professional assessment to support you in ensuring your visiting policy is informed by the correct information.”