RTE exposes 'appalling' elderly abuse in two nursing homes
Elderly patients are being treated in a 'disrespectful and undignified way on a continual basis' in nursing homes, an RTÉ investigation will claim.
The appalling way certain staff have treated elderly patients at two Irish nursing homes will be exposed as part of the station's second investigation into poor standards at homes.
The RTÉ Investigates documentary will be screened on Wednesday night, with disturbing undercover footage revealing poor standards and focusing on homes in the Midlands and Dublin.
The harrowing programme will show systematic failings and undue pressure being applied on staff to care for numerous residents and patients.
An RTÉ spokesman said: 'A number of whistleblowers approached the team with horrific stories of elderly patients being treated in a disrespectful and undignified way on a continual basis. Elderly patients are being treated in a 'disrespectful and undignified way on a continual basis' in nursing homes, an RTÉ investigation will claim. Pic: Getty Images
'RTÉ assigned two researchers who went undercover to investigate in two different centres that are part of a nursing home chain.
'The scenes that will be featured are very upsetting and the issues are distressing.
'We're talking about poor care and appalling neglect. It's a tough watch and a powerful watch.'
The exposé is the second such investigation by RTÉ. In 2005, RTÉ revealed the horrific work practices and the treatment of elderly patients at Leas Cross nursing home near Swords, in north Co. Dublin, which led to a major State-backed Commission of Investigation.
The report into Leas Cross found there was systematic abuse at the nursing home. The HSE then launched a 'new inspection regime' which it said was 'consistent, robust and vastly improved'.
Tomorrow's programme will look at standards being applied by the HSE in the running of the two homes featured, it is understood. Tomorrow's programme will look at standards being applied by the HSE in the running of the two homes featured, it is understood. Pic: Shutterstock
The programme-makers liaised with independent experts, and the findings have been reported by RTÉ researchers to HIQA and the local nursing home management, where applicable and in line with expert advice.
The findings of the investigation have been shared with the private nursing home group and RTÉ has offered it the right of reply.
Professor Rónán Collins, a consultant geriatrician who features in the programme, said: 'The whole episode of care in relation to this man is really quite distressing. I can't say any more how much it goes against every gerontological principle that I hold dear.'
Professor David Robinson said the programme showed 'systemic and institutional lack of consideration for the older person.
'This is going to shorten people's lives and their lives will be more miserable,' he added.
RTÉ Investigates – Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes airs on Wednesday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
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