I need to raise the matter of non-Covid patients who are waiting for access to health services. Many vulnerable people, whether they are in hospital, in the accident and emergency department or up in the ward, would previously have had a family member who could advocate on their behalf and to explain their situation. That is no longer possible with the restrictions. People are feeling very isolated and families are very concerned. It is also very difficult for the hospital staff because people may be too ill to outline their situation or detail their medication. It is difficult for everybody. We recognise there is a need for the restrictions to fight Covid-19 and there is no easy answer to this, but there is a need to acknowledge the situation in which these people find themselves. They are very vulnerable and exposed. Are there some measures the hospitals can take to give people access?

At a human level, this has been one of the most difficult issues that has presented itself over the past 21 months or so where people have not been able to visit loved ones in hospital where they have been in very difficult circumstances and acute need. As the Deputy will know, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has issued guidance on access to acute hospitals over the course of the pandemic. It is important that all steps are taken to prevent infection spread throughout the hospital system. Decisions are made at a local, individual hospital level and on a case-by-case basis. We would obviously like to see as much compassion shown in the type of circumstances the Deputy has highlighted, particularly where certain patients are vulnerable and may be vulnerable for a variety of reasons. It is a decision that is best made at a local level.