The Southend West MP is backing calls from local care homes Cavell Lodge and Chalkwell Grange to drop compulsory face masks for staff. Campaigning for the legacy pandemic measures to end, Anna Firth MP raised the issue with the Minister for Social Care in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Highlighting difficulties in recruitment and the barriers to communication in homes, she urged the Department for Health to change mask usage from a “compulsory” measure to an “optional” measure.
Visiting Cavell Lodge and Chalkwell Grange, managers informed Anna of their deep concern over face masks which have been the source of unnecessary division at a time when positive Covid cases which they say have significantly dropped.
One of the most important issues identified was the negative impact it is having on residents living with dementia. Interpersonal relationships and clear communication are vital in caring for these residents, with many reports suggesting that face masks can result in cognitive decline for the elderly.
The care home managers also raised their concerns over the impact of face masks on recruitment. In a sector which is already facing staffing shortages, the Southend MP and care home managers have said that removing the restriction of face masks will make the sector more attractive to potential employees.
Following Anna Firth MP’s relentless campaigning, the Minister for Social Care acknowledged the mounting concerns of care home staff across the country and has agreed to review Public Health England advice on the use of masks in care homes.
An update for Members of Parliament and the social care sector has been promised to follow shortly, but the Southend MP will continue to lobby on behalf of residents and care homes until the change is made.
Anna said,
“I absolutely back and trust our amazing care home staff in Southend West. After meeting with managers and staff across the constituency, I have witnessed first-hand the thorough measures in place to protect residents.”
“However, it is time to drop the compulsory use of face masks which are such a threat to the relationships between residents and staff due its detrimental impact on personal communication."
“I have urged Ministers at the Department for Health to do the right thing and an end these legacy pandemic restrictions which are no longer necessary.”
Michael Daley, Manager of Cavell Lodge,
“The use of masks in care homes is really impacting communication and relationship building with our elderly residents, especially those living with dementia.”
“We take so many precautions, including thorough sanitisation and handwashing, to ensure that we keep our residents as safe as possible. If there any outbreaks, we are always quick to act and have robust procedures in place.”
“We are really pleased to have Anna’s support in this and hope the Department for Health make the right choice. It’s time for us to drop the compulsory use of masks for staff and make care homes feel like a home again.”
