Glasgow family urge change to isolation rules in mental health wards
Lauren Boulazreg says she is concerned prolonged periods of isolation are putting her brother's recovery at risk.
Last updated 7th Feb 2022
A Glasgow woman is telling Clyde 1 she is worried her brother's recovery could be put at risk by covid isolation rules on mental health wards.
In an exclusive interview, Lauren Boulazreg, from Dennistoun, says her sibling is fully vaccinated, and has recorded two negative test results.
He is currently spending 10 days in isolation, after someone on his ward tested positive.
The current rules mean people do not have to isolate when a household contact contracts Covid-19, as long as they are vaccinated and test negative.
'Traumatic'
Lauren, who is urging a re-think of the rules for the ward, said: "For anyone isolating it's so traumatic, and it's really lonely.
"For someone with really severe mental health problems, being alone is the last thing they need.
"The whole situation is very disheartening and extremely unfair.
"I understand why the rules would be put in place where people are vulnerable, and where the risk to their physical health is greater than to their mental health."
"But for my brother, and for a lot of people like him, they're not in the 'at risk' category.
Lauren's brother was admitted almost a year ago, after struggling with the 10 year anniversary of their mum's death.
He was a passenger in her car, when she was killed by a drunk driver.
Lauren said: "For us, supporting our sibling is about providing him with emotional support, giving him hugs, which I think is so important.
"Being away from that physical contact is detrimental, and we know that physical contact really helps with mental health."
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde say temporary measures are put in place during covid outbreaks:
"We are unable to share any information which could breach patient confidentiality, however, we recognise how important it is for our patients to have visitors, and we take a compassionate and flexible approach to try to accommodate this where ever possible. This includes allowing essential visiting during an active COVID-19 outbreak for those patients who meet the guidance.
"All patients have access to iPads to allow contact with friends and family, and on this particular ward we accommodate window-side visiting to allow patients to see loved ones even if they have to self-isolate.
"Our ward teams utilise activity packs to help keep patients stimulated and our staff also work closely with patients ensuring care and activities are tailored to meet individual needs.
"However, patient safety is our utmost priority and where there is an active COVID-19 outbreak, we must put temporary measures in place to protect patients, staff and visitors. Impacted wards reopen as soon as it is deemed safe to do so by the infection prevention and control team."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“While we cannot comment on individual cases, where there is an outbreak in hospital, we expect essential visits to continue."
"This includes the care of a patient with a mental health issue, where the absence of a visitor would cause distress.”