Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated he has “no issue” with the imposition of “larger fines” on nursing homes that consistently breach regulations, reports RTE.
During Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, he also stressed that closure “has to be there” as a realistic outcome in such cases.
He noted that when multiple incidents of non-compliance occur, “that option has to be on the table, ” reports RTE.
Calling the findings in the RTÉ Investigates documentary “scandalous,” he confirmed that adult safeguarding legislation will be introduced by the current Government.
His remarks came in response to Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who claimed that public trust in how nursing homes are managed has been “shattered,” reports RTE.
She went on to say that “faith in the system of inspection has been also greatly damaged.”
Ms Bacik criticised the performance of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) leaders at the Oireachtas Committee on Health earlier in the day, saying it “raised more questions than answers,” reports RTE.
She argued that reports of poor nursing care must be “taken seriously” and that there must be “consequences” for facilities involved.
Ms Bacik also pointed out that restricting new admissions is HIQA’s only enforcement power, questioning: “what help is that for those already resident in the home?”
She asserted that “serious questions” still surround HIQA’s capacity to protect nursing home residents, reports RTE.
The Taoiseach acknowledged that eight nursing homes had their registrations revoked last year, but he agreed further measures are necessary.
David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on health and a Dáil Health Committee member, said the system is “failing” older people, reports RTE.
“What we’ve seen is a corporate takeover of many of our nursing homes,” he said, reports RTE.
Speaking to RTÉ’s News at One, he highlighted that 75% of the country’s nursing homes are now “private.”
He explained that many are run by “big multi-nationals,” and referenced HIQA’s admission that it lacks the “far-reaching powers” needed to oversee parent companies effectively.
Mr Cullinane said the interim report released yesterday is “damning” and “raises questions” not only about HIQA but also about the Government, “because all of this has happened on their watch,” reports RTE.
He blamed the rise in privately-owned nursing homes on the State’s decision to stop developing public and community facilities, which allowed the private sector to “fill the gap.”
He added that both adult safeguarding legislation and the mandatory reporting of abuse and neglect cases are essential.
HIQA has alerted gardaí over concerns about poor care in two nursing homes featured in the recent RTÉ Investigates exposé, reports RTE.
The details came from a prepared opening statement by HIQA Chief Executive Angela Fitzgerald to the Oireachtas Committee on Health, ahead of her scheduled appearance.
HIQA said the two facilities – Firstcare Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin and The Residence in Portlaoise – have received official warnings that their registrations could be revoked unless major improvements are made, reports RTE.
Ms Fitzgerald said she wants to restate her “deepest concerns” about the footage shown from both centres, noting: “The conduct of staff and the behaviours witnessed were wholly unacceptable in any circumstance.”
She said HIQA’s Chief Inspector is “addressing these fundamental issues directly with the nursing homes and its parent company, Emeis Ireland, and is engaging in additional escalatory actions”, reports RTE.
Ms Fitzgerald told members of the Oireachtas: “As CEO of HIQA, I met with Emeis Ireland this week with the Chief Inspector and I welcome the immediate actions that they are taking.
“We have sought immediate assurances on the other 23 homes that Emeis Ireland own.”
Regarding the two nursing homes highlighted by RTÉ Investigates, Firstcare Beneavin Manor underwent four inspections and The Residence in Portlaoise had three over an 18-month period, all of which raised red flags, reports RTE.
The issues identified included staff shortages and insufficient training; poor oversight and supervision; weak governance; lack of accurate records; and inadequate planning for engaging resident activities.
The HIQA Chief Executive added that internal reforms are also on the way at the authority, reports RTE.
“HIQA fully accepts that we also have work to do in relation to reviewing our regulatory process,” she said.
“We are fully committed to examining what we can learn from recent revelations, and we have commenced work in this regard,” reports RTE.
Ms Fitzgerald ended her remarks with an apology, saying: “The recent RTÉ Investigates was incredibly distressing and I want to apologise to anyone who feels let down by HIQA as the regulator.”
She added: “What we witnessed in the programme should never have happened and I hope that this can be a catalyst for change at a number of levels. I want to assure you that we have taken a number of steps to ensure the safety of residents and will continue to do so,” reports RTE.
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