A PODIATRIST has said banning all visitors from care homes amid the Covid-19 outbreak could be counterproductive for the health of residents.

The Government has issued advice to residential care providers should review their visiting policy to prevent elderly and vulnerable people contracting the coronavirus.

But one private podiatrist has said an outright ban on visiting healthcare professionals could adversely affect the health of residents.

The woman, who is based in County Durham and has 12 years’ experience, is also concerned it could force small businesses to close if the ban goes on for a prolonged period.

The woman, who does not wish to be identified, said: “I know doing people’s feet might not be seen as important in some people’s eyes but we pick a lot of health problems up. It is like early detection and we are dealing with high risk patients.

“As podiatrists doing people’s feet we pick up a lot of problems up such as diabetes.

“They have told me that I won’t be allowed in to do my services even though we are registered as a healthcare profession and we know how to follow the right procedures.”

The woman was told the ban is extended to hairdressers and entertainers who regularly visit care homes.

She said: “They said it be during the full course of this epidemic outbreak.

“They could be pushing a lot of private businesses into financial difficulty.

“My sole business is care home and I visit care homes every day.

“I can understand in many respects that they are going to stop the hairdressers and the entertainment. Fair enough, but people still do rely on these people to maintain their mental health.

“When someone does their hair they feel better. What are they supposed to do? Just sit there and do nothing?

“As long as people are following the correct hygiene procedures there should not be a problem.

“It is going to knock a lot of little businesses like us out of the water.”

Advice issued by the Government on Friday said contractors should be kept to a minimum.

It said: “To minimise the risk of transmission, care home providers are advised to review their visiting policy, by asking no one to visit who has suspected COVID-19 or is generally unwell, and by emphasising good hand hygiene for visitors.

“Contractors on site should be kept to a minimum.

“The review should also consider the wellbeing of residents, and the positive impact of seeing friends and family.”

The woman was asked not to visit by care homes run by HC-1, Anchor Hanover and third in the Stanley area.

A spokesperson for HC-One said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and colleagues paramount and HC-One is committed to doing everything we can to keep our residents and colleagues safe.

“Our policy to restrict visitors states that requests for essential visits will be considered by the home manager.

“If someone has an essential visit they believe needs to be considered we would urge them to get in touch with the home.”

A statement issued by Anchor Hanover said the measures were in response to the risk of Covid-19 as a precaution.

It said: “Given the rising number of cases of Coronavirus in the country, we have put in place measures to safeguard the wellbeing of all our residents.

“As part of this, we have made the decision to temporarily stop non-essential visits to our housing and care homes with immediate effect. This is purely a precaution.

“Relatives and friends of residents will continue to be welcomed to our homes.

“Visitors should continue to follow NHS advice on hygiene, particularly as Coronavirus presents a greater risk to older people.

“Essential visits such as from medical specialists or if buildings maintenance were necessary will also continue. Our contractors have reassured us that they are following all relevant guidance.

“However, we are temporarily stopping all non-essential visits, for example from external organisations such as schools.

“A senior team is meeting daily and will continue to monitor the situation.”