Consultation on our guidance on visiting in care homes, hospitals and hospices

Consultation questions and how to respond 

We consider this consultation is of specific interest to: 

• people using services, their friends and families  
• organisations representing people using health and care services, including providers of advocacy services, other charities and Healthwatch 
• health and adult social care providers and staff
• the Equality and Human Rights Commission 
• commissioners of health and social care services. 

The consultation may also be of interest to other stakeholders and professional bodies. 

This consultation is limited to our guidance about the new fundamental standard. It does not cover the scope and content of the visiting legislation itself, which was subject to DHSC’s own, separate consultation. 

Before responding to this consultation, please read on our website: 

• Our draft guidance for providers on how to meet Regulation 9A: visiting and accompaniment in care homes, hospitals and hospices 
• Our equality impact assessment for this consultation

There is also an easy read version of this consultation containing the questions with context about our guidance, and how to respond.

You may also find the following associated information useful: 

• the new Regulation 9A on which our draft guidance is based 
• the Government’s response to the consultation on visiting in care homes, hospitals, and hospices 

Given the timescales the government has set out, we welcome all responses by midday on 20 February 2024.