THOUSANDS of people have backed calls to allow designated visitors into care homes.

Pressure is mounting on the Scottish Government to relax regulations after steps were taken to introduce a similar move in England. 

Campaigners have called on MSPs to share their support and a petition - which asks for an essential caregivers’ law to be introduced - has already gained more than 90,000 signatures.The appeal will be considered in Holyrood tomorrow. 

READ MORE: Care home campaigners secure victory as visiting rules to change

Cathie Russell, co-founder of Care Home Relatives Scotland, the group leading the fight, said: “When the lockdown was announced in March 2020, there were shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies and everyone understood the need for relatives to be kept out – no matter how painful it was. 

“But we are almost a year on now. We have PPE, testing and now most residents have had the 1st vaccine and it is now time to reunite us with those who have survived the last year. 

“Thousands have died without the company and touch of their loved ones in their final weeks and months.” 

Campaigners have now called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to meet with activists to hear their concerns. 

Cathie, whose mum Rose Hamilton lives in a West End care home, added: “We are simply desperate to move on and let people see their loved ones who have waited so long.” 

In an open letter to both Ms Sturgeon and Ms Freeman, six members of the group  - Cathie included - wrote on behalf of their relatives: “You have both stated in public that over 98% of care home residents have been vaccinated and the majority have had three weeks or more now to build up their immunity, putting Scotland ahead of the four UK nations.  

Glasgow Times: Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar has backed the group's petition Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar has backed the group's petition

“We ask that you lead by example and make it clear to everyone concerned that meaningful contact for those who have survived this far must re-start as a matter of urgency.”   

The group’s petition - started by member Natasha Hamilton - will be considered by MSPs on the petitions committee tomorrow. 

It is calling for Anne’s Law to be introduced – inspired by the plight of 63-year-old dementia sufferer Anne Duke, Natasha’s mum –  to allow for one designated visitor per care home resident. In England, legislation has been drawn up to give “essential caregivers” unfettered access to their loved ones.

Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for care home residents and their loved ones.

READ MORE: "Will we ever get the chance to hug our loved ones again?" Care Home Relatives Scotland call for changes to 'prison-style' visiting

“Scottish Labour supports the introduction of Anne’s Law to end the heartache faced by too many families who are separated.

“While we tackle the ongoing public health crisis, we must not lose sight of the impact that isolation has taken on people’s wellbeing – and that is something we need to address for the future.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We understand the severe impact this pandemic has had on people’s lives across Scotland and the distress it has caused for people living in care homes and their loved ones.

"We are acutely aware of the importance of visits for the wellbeing of residents and their friends and family. That’s why the Health Secretary has met with, and will continue to meet with, relatives of residents in care homes. We will reply to the letter very soon and the Health Secretary will again meet with the relatives group shortly.

“The Health Secretary has been clear that essential visits should continue to be supported at all stages of the pandemic, in all areas, no matter the current level.

"There is a need to balance the safety of residents against the need for them to spend time with their families – Ministers have been clear on the crucial importance of both these factors.

"In consultation with relatives and care home providers, we are now nearing completion on plans to resume indoor visiting based on the level 4 restrictions in place across mainland Scotland, with increased staff testing, visitor testing and our vaccination programme, which has now given 99% of older care home residents their first dose. These plans will be published shortly.”