Sedgwick County commissioner Jim Howell is calling for a proclamation that will urge hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities to look for ways to allow their residents to have visits from family members.
Howell said at Wednesday’s commission meeting that he has heard from people who haven’t been able to see family members for six months, because of restrictions that have been put in place with the coronavirus pandemic. Howell said a proclamation would not be a controlling policy and it would not force changes, but it is advocacy for the patients and residents. He said the residents are at a higher risk of isolation and depression because of the restrictions.
Commission chairman Pete Meitzner said he is concerned about the language of Howell’s proclamation, and he feels it should recognize the good work that hospitals and care facilities have done. Howell said it is not his intent to be negative toward these facilities, but he said families are a critical part of care for the residents.
Commissioners voted unanimously to delay action on the proclamation until their October 7th meeting so they can consider how it should be worded.