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Heart attack patient 'fully capable of self-care', says Gov't

Woman not able to isolate with partner after undergoing procedure in UK

A woman who is self-isolating alone after undergoing a procedure in the UK following a heart attack is fully capable of self-care during her period of isolation.

That's according to the Isle of Man Government after her fiance revealed he had to move out of their home before she was allowed to leave hospital.

In a statement released to Manx Radio, the government says rules that came into effect last week prevent returning travellers from isolating with another member of their household, unless they travelled together.

Exemptions can be granted based on a clinical assessment of the patient.

Malcolm McDonald said he had to sleep in his car to allow his partner to quarantine alone, and expressed his concern that she isn't receiving additional help during her recovery.

However, the government says medical teams here and in the UK found an exemption wasn't needed in this case.

The statement in full says: "New rules into effect from 7 January 2021 make it clear that returning travellers may only self-isolate with another member of the household if that person travelled with them.

 

"There is an exemption in law for patient transfers, who can have a modified direction notice to be cared for at home where the whole household isolates, and this is based on a requirement for ongoing care in the home.

 

"Exemptions are granted based on a clinical assessment of the patient. Assessments are undertaken to reach a decision on whether the person is capable of caring for themselves, and are designed as an objective test on whether the modification applies.

 

"In this case, both medical teams in the Island and the UK overseeing the care of the patient were of the unanimous view that an exemption was not required and the person is fully capable of self-care for the period of isolation."

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