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Written question asked by Dan Carden (Labour) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Care Homes and Hospitals: Visits

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will outline a timeline for legislative proposals to guarantee visiting rights of family and friends of vulnerable people in health and social care settings.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of maintaining meaningful contact between people receiving care and their family and friends. Care Quality Commission Regulation 9A places a legal duty on health and social care providers to facilitate visiting, and on 18 March 2026 the Government announced plans to further strengthen visiting rights. We are exploring options for legislative changes that promote the importance of family and carers as equal partners in care as part of wider reform work, when parliamentary time allows.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125003
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Care homes Hospitals Visits
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk