Nursing home that was subject of 'distressing' RTE documentary breached HIQA restrictions

Extra.ie​

17 hours ago

A nursing home that was the subject of a shocking RTÉ Investigates documentary admitted new patients after it was banned from doing so by the regulator for the sector.
The Residence in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, has a capacity of over 100 residents and was found to be non-­compliant after an inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in February.
The nursing home was banned from admitting new clients in late April until improvements were made, but admitted new ones after the cut-off date and during the same period RTÉ was filming the hidden-camera documentary at the facility. A nursing home that was the subject of a shocking RTÉ Investigates documentary admitted new patients after it was banned from doing so by the regulator for the sector. Pic: Getty Images (file photo)
HIQA confirmed yesterday it would carry out a review of The Residence and the 26 other facilities run by the Emeis Ireland Group, the country's largest nursing home operator.
Wednesday night's programme exposed what the Minister for Older People called 'extremely distressing' treatment of people who live at The Residence and another Emeis nursing home in Glasnevin, Dublin.
The documentary showed elderly people being left unsupervised for long periods, shortages in vital items such as incontinence pads, and requests to use the toilet going unanswered for lengthy periods of time. The Residence in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, has a capacity of over 100 residents and was found to be non-­compliant after an inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in February. Pic: Shutterstock (file photo)
One elderly man was recorded pleading to go to the bathroom for 25 minutes before he was helped to the toilet, while another resident was left on the toilet for an extended period with a broken call bell after a staff member went on their break. Minister of State for Older People Kieran O'Donnell said he had met with HIQA about the failings shown in the film.
'What we saw from the programme was neglect and abuse of older people, and clearly a key element to that was lack of staffing,' Mr O'Donnell said yesterday.
When asked if HIQA had failed residents of the nursing homes, the minister said: 'Certainly from what we saw on that programme last night, one could not stand over. I want to ensure this never happens again.' The nursing home was banned from admitting new clients in late April until improvements were made, but admitted new ones after the cut-off date and during the same period RTÉ was filming the hidden-camera documentary at the facility. Pic: Getty Images (file photo)
One carer working in a home run by Emeis Ireland, who flagged issues with HIQA, waited more than four months before an inspection was carried out.
HIQA stated it was aware the documentary 'makes very distressing viewing for all nursing home residents, and their families and friends'.
'The nursing homes featured in this programme were subject to a number of additional inspections in an effort to bring them into compliance,' HIQA said.
Eoghan Kenny, Labour Cork North-Central TD and Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee member, said he plans to urge his PAC colleagues to invite HIQA in to answer questions.
'The fact HIQA took over four months to investigate issues identified by RTÉ is beyond belief,' he said. 'What we witnessed last night was utterly appalling. HIQA are failing in their statutory remit to investigate and resolve issues when they arise locally. It's vital we have the highest standards of care for older people.'
The February HIQA inspection at the Portlaoise home found residents 'sometimes experienced extended waiting times' for help because there weren't enough staff.
However, this failing still hadn't been addressed by the time the documentary was being made months later. Footage showed 23 residents left in a day room with just one healthcare assistant taking care of them for hours.
Professor Amanda Phelan of DCU's School of Nursing, who featured in the documentary, said the residents were dehumanised for the convenience of staff and treated like they were in 'a holding area'. The Irish Daily Mail has contacted Emeis Ireland for comment.