Cork TD calls for HIQA to appear before PAC following ‘appalling' footage on RTÉ Investigates programme
The French-owned company has 27 privately-run facilities here, providing more than 2,400 beds.
After concerns were raised by several whistleblowers, RTÉ sent two undercover researchers to apply for healthcare assistant roles.
They obtained footage from The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, Dublin.
Among the breaches detailed were inadequate staffing levels, which at times left one employee looking after 23 residents, and people being refused help to go to the toilet.
HIQA has subsequently confirmed that it stopped admissions to the nursing home in Laois prior to the programme being aired.
Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny expressed concerns that the RTÉ Investigates programme into nursing home care represents but a drop in the ocean of failures across care of older people.
Deputy Kenny who is a member of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee said HIQA have not appeared before the PAC since 2017. 'Given the huge systemic issues within the organisation detailed by RTÉ, I will be proposing inviting HIQA to the PAC with my committee colleagues. The fact that HIQA took over four months to investigate issues identified by RTÉ is beyond belief. We are talking about care of our much loved older people who deserve dignity as they age."
'What we witnessed was utterly appalling,' said Deputy Kenny. 'Credit is due to RTÉ for highlighting this issue. Staff members from other homes have made contact with my office to express their concerns about practices being replicated in their workplace.
'HIQA are failing in their statutory remit to investigate and resolve issues when they arise locally. Given the scale and the nature of what was exposed, it is crucial that we examine in detail the procedures and potential gaps within HIQA to address these urgently. The PAC could work constructively with HIQA representatives on this,' he added.
The Cork TD said accountability is 'crucial' to ensure the most vulnerable are protected 'HIQA have a fundamental role to play in ensuring this happens. Accountability is crucial, but so too is ensuring procedures and processes are in place to protect the vulnerable in our society. It's vital that we have the highest standards of care for older people. HIQA have a fundamental role to play in ensuring this happens.'
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