GOVERNMENT plans which could see the CQC given powers to punish healthcare providers which deny familiy visits have been backed by Colchester MP Will Quince.

The proposal, which will give the Care Quality Commission (CQC) the powers to make sure providers allow families to visit their relatives in healthcare settings, has been put forward by the Department of Health and Social Care.

If passed, the legislation is intended to give the CQC a better idea of the hospitals and care homes which are unfairly denying access to patients’ relatives.

The CQC would also be able to enforce the standards by issuing requirement or warning notices, imposing conditions, suspending a registration, or cancelling a registration of a healthcare provider if they don't allow family visits.

Will Quince, a health and social care minister, said: “Most hospitals and care homes facilitate visiting in line with guidance, but we still hear about settings that aren’t letting friends and families visit loved ones who are receiving treatment or care.

“We want everyone to have peace of mind that they won’t face unfair restrictions like this, so we want to make it easier for the CQC to identify when disproportionate restrictions and bans are put in place and strengthen the rules around visiting.”