15 April 2020

Now you can say 'goodbye' to loved ones, and blanket DNR orders are scrapped as Matt Hancock announces major U-turn

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has  announced that close family members will in future be allowed to say 'goodbye' to dying relatives in care homes.

His statement at today's Downing Street coronavirus briefing represents a Government U-turn after enormous pressure to eliminate heartbreaking scenes where people have been left to die alone.

Mr Hancock also called an end to the use of blanket DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) plans, which staff claim they've been asked to routinely sign during the crisis.

Care homes have now been instructed by the Care Quality Commission to rip up any agreements that would stop residents getting access to full healthcare. 

Mr Hancock said: "Wanting to be with someone you love, at the end of their life is one most human instincts there is.

"We are sensitively making sure we can limit the risk of infection while giving people’s closest loved ones the chance to properly say goodbye."

The Department of Health and Social Care has revealed that coronavirus has been recognised in over 2,000 care homes across the nation, with around 217 deaths, but more are expected. 

Mr Hancock also announced that testing would be expanded for both residents and care staff.

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