Health chiefs launch sweeping review of ALL Irish nursing homes run by shamed group after ‘institutional abuse' expose
Shocking undercover footage broadcast on Wednesday night showed residents crying for help, left in soiled clothes and being incorrectly handled.
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A new RTE investigation undercovered how some residents were being treated in nursing home
Credit: RTE Press Office Issue
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TD Kieran O'Donnell has requested the probe
The RTE Investigates programme uncovered a litany of care failings and neglect of vulnerable older residents at The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, north
Both are run by Ireland's top private nursing home provider Emeis Ireland, who have apologised for the failings.
Amid the fallout from the explosive
And the inspection body revealed a review of all nursing
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HIQA said: 'The practices shown in the programme were wholly unacceptable and shocking.
HIQA officials said the major probe followed a request from Minister of State with responsibility for
Minister O'Donnell held talks with HIQA to discuss issues raised in the RTE Investigates programme.
He says he now expects HIQA and the Chief Inspector to use all their available powers to improve the situation.
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O'Donnell declared: 'What we saw last night was a wake up call for everyone.'
Undercover investigators posing as
AI robot nurse with creepy 'face' taking over hospital jobs as it patrols halls, delivers meds and tracks patient vitals
The
Following concerns by whistleblowers, RTE had two undercover researchers, who were fully qualified as Healthcare assistants, apply for and secure jobs at separate Emeis nursing homes.
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But despite it costing €1,200 a week for residents to stay in the
'INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE'
In response to the damning footage, Consultant Geriatrician Professor David Robinson said: 'What we are looking at is largely institutional abuse. This is neglect in a setting which is supposed to be caring.'
Opposition politicians last night warned the RTE Investigates programme 'represents but a drop in the ocean of failures across care of older people'.
And Labour TD Eoghan Kenny called for HIQA officials to be hauled before the
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ADMISSIONS RESTRICTION BREACH CONFIRMED
ONE of the scandal hit nursing homes it is claimed breached a restriction on halting admissions.
HIQA today confirmed that following an inspection of The Residence Portlaoise in February this year, it initiated proceedings to stop admissions to the nursing home.
The provider, Emeis Ireland, was advised of this measure in February, a formal notification was issued in March and the restriction came into effect on 22 April.
However, it emerged last night that the nursing home may have been in breach of the sanction after April 22.
It is understood a flurry of admissions took place to the home in late April, including post 22 April and during which time RTE Investigates had an undercover healthcare assistant working at the home.
Emeis Ireland was contacted for comment.
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