Clwyd West MS Darren Millar highlighted the impact of self-isolation on mental health patients in the Senedd Chamber this week and called for the required 14-day period to be reduced.

Wales guidance advises 14-day isolation for hospital patients, a week longer than for the general population.

However, families of mental health patients have expressed concern over the length of time, warning that it is severely detrimental to the health of patients.

Speaking in the Business Statement in Tuesday’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Darren referred to the case of a mental health patient in North Wales who threatened to take her own life due to being placed in self-isolation and called for a statement from the Minister for Health on self-isolation periods for hospital patients, proposing that the 14-days is reduced.

He said:

“You will be aware, Minister, that stories have emerged in recent days about the impact of the 14-day self-isolation period on a young woman, Catherine Hughes, in Wrexham Maelor Hospital, who's a mental health patient on the Heddfan unit. She's threatened to take her own life as a result of being in self-isolation, and concerns have been raised by her parents about her safety.

“I do think it's time that we looked at this particular 14-day period, particularly given now that staff only have to self-isolate for seven days, providing they have two clear lateral flow tests. So, I think it would be prudent now to have a review of that 14-day period.”

Responding, the Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths MS, said that the self-isolation period is being reviewed by the Minister for Health and Social Services “on a regular basis as we get more public health and scientific advice.”

Commenting afterwards, Darren said:

“Given the vulnerable condition of the patients concerned, this requires urgent attention before we see a tragedy that could have been avoided.”