HIQA have halted new admission to the Laois nursing home featured in last night’s RTE Investigates programme.
There was widespread shock and outrage last night after undercover RTE investigators captured several incidents of poor practice at The Residence in Portlaoise.
Throughout the programme, various incidents of staffing and equipment shortages left to residents being left neglected.
Footage showed incidents where residents were allowed to fall from chairs, wet themselves, moved about incorrectly and in a rough manner, and left in bed all day.
A spokesperson for HIQA confirmed to RTE that admissions to The Residence Portlaoise had been stopped “as part of its escalatory action”.
It said “further inspection reports on both of these centres are currently being finalised and will be published shortly”.
“We are very concerned about the practices described in the programme and we have engaged directly with those responsible for the operation of the nursing homes,” the statement said.
“Accordingly, we will be taking the necessary actions with the provider to ensure safe and effective care and support to all residents”.
Reacting to that news this morning, Laois Independent TD Brian Stanley called for immediate and swift action by Government and HIQA to address the appalling practices, neglect, and abuse of elderly residents in the “The Residence Nursing Home” in Portlaoise.
He said: “What we witnessed in the RTE programme last night was shocking and disgraceful.
“The pure neglect of elderly people there, the lack of care and sanitary products along with the rough treatment of vulnerable residents deserves swift and immediate action.
“In recent months I have had complaints from people in County Laois who have had there loved ones residing there and their complaints correspond with some of what we saw on the RTE programme last night.
“While I welcome the news this morning that HIQA has halted any new admissions to the facility, they now need to carry out daily inspections to ensure that the vulnerable residents there are protected.
“Government must also move immediately to expedite the Safe guarding Legislation drafted in 2017 to protect elderly residents in Nursing Homes and to get this through the Dáil before the summer recess.”
Fine Gael TD Willie Aird said: “Poor care, mistreatment, neglect or any other form of abuse of any person living in a long-term residential care centre is completely unacceptable and that the welfare of the residents and their families is at the forefront of his concerns.”
Deputy Aird said he is also very conscious of the impact this broadcast may have on the residents, their families, and the staff of the Residence nursing home in particular and indeed on the residents, families and staff of other nursing homes.
He said: “I wish to acknowledge the many committed, compassionate and dedicated care staff and providers operating in nursing homes across Ireland.
“I encourage any resident or family member who has any concerns in relation to the care of a resident or relative to contact HIQA by email at concerns@HIQA.ie or by telephone at 021 240 9646.”
SEE ALSO – Outrage and anger as shocking treatment of elderly people at Laois nursing home highlighted by RTE
