BASW Cymru urges Welsh government to recognise social workers as professional visitors in national guidance

BASW Cymru has responded to a statement on care home visits, made by Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, on 9 November.

Allison Hulmes, National Director for Cymru at BASW, said: “BASW Cymru welcomes the latest statement on care home visits issued by Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.

“We are, however, disappointed that the current Welsh Government Guidance (10 Nov 2020) - which relates to visiting professionals - still does not reference social workers.

“Nor does it take sufficient account of social work’s role in upholding, protecting, and promoting the human rights of vulnerable residents in care homes or supported living settings.”

BASW Cymru is working with Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Health and Social Services Lead for Plaid Cymru, on a response to the statement and the latest guidance.

On 11 November, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS tabled the following question in the Senedd:

Will the Minister and Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services agree that Social Workers must be given priority access to people living in care homes (and supported living settings) and develop national guidance that allows local authorities to identify ‘Designated Social Worker Professional Visitors’ who must be tested for Covid-19, on a weekly basis and have negative test results prior to visiting someone in a care home or supported living setting, in order to promote, safeguard and protect the fundamental human rights of vulnerable residents?

Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services is due to respond to the question on 17 November.