Ruthie Henshall, a West End star, was devastated by the painful experience of watching her mum, Gloria, die slowly through a window in a care home during lockdown. She is now advocating for a change in the law to ensure that no one has to go through the same heart-wrenching experience again. Henshall is a passionate supporter of the campaign for Gloria’s Law, which aims to guarantee that care home residents have the right to be with their loved ones in their final moments. She has urged Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, to include this initiative in his manifesto to ensure that such tragedies are prevented from happening in the future.
The tragic loss of her parents, Gloria and David, during the pandemic has fueled Henshall’s determination to bring about change in the way care home residents are treated. She vividly describes the pain of being unable to physically comfort her mother in her final days and the distress of having to communicate through a window. She recognizes the basic human right of touch and connection, especially in such vulnerable moments, and is committed to fighting for legislation that protects these rights.
Rights For Residents, an organization that Henshall is an ambassador for, has penned an open letter to Keir Starmer, appealing to him to make Gloria’s Law a central part of the Labour manifesto. This law would ensure that individuals in healthcare facilities have the legal right to be supported by their loved ones, offering comfort and advocacy when they are most in need. The campaign has gained significant traction in Parliament and has garnered widespread support from various organizations and individuals, highlighting the urgency and importance of this issue.
Jenny Morrison and Diane Mayhew, co-founders of Rights for Residents, share Henshall’s determination to push for legislative change. They emphasize the importance of differentiating between visitors and essential care supporters in healthcare settings and stress the emotional toll that forced separation during the pandemic has had on families. They are calling for a clear legal framework that prioritizes the well-being and rights of care home residents, ensuring that they receive the support and comfort they need, even in challenging circumstances.
The campaign for Gloria’s Law has the potential to make a profound impact on healthcare policies and practices, offering a sense of security and protection for vulnerable individuals and their families. By making this law a manifesto pledge, Keir Starmer and the Labour party have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring dignity and compassion in healthcare settings. The support for this initiative spans across party lines and has garnered extensive backing from various sectors, underscoring the universal need for change in this critical area.
The harrowing experiences of Ruthie Henshall, along with many other families affected by the pandemic, have sparked a powerful movement for change in the care home sector. The campaign for Gloria’s Law represents a beacon of hope and progress, signaling a shift towards greater empathy, respect, and care for individuals in healthcare facilities. As the momentum grows, there is a shared sense of determination to turn tragic losses into meaningful changes that honor the memories of those who have suffered and ensure a more compassionate future for all.
