It was named for Ruthie's mum who died at 87 in a care home during lockdown. The campaigners are calling for residents to have a legal right to an essential care giver, but so far ministers have only suggested it as best practice rather than making it legally binding.

       A Rights for Residents member survey found nearly a quarter had been denied ECG status. ECGs are family members who have a unique relationship with loved ones.At the moment access for them is not legally guaranteed and still depends on providers.

       Jenny Morrison, co-founder of Rights for Residents, said: "Removing this essential source of support is increasing pressure on exhausted care staff, at a time of extreme staff shortages and sickness levels." Campaigners say the impact of loneliness on residents has far outweighed the impact of Covid.

       Dr Caroline Emmer De Albuquerque Green, of King's College London, said academic research "highlights the devastating effects of cutting people off from their loved ones" on their mental and physical health.

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