Health Safety Authority to inspect nursing homes featured in RTÉ programme
The Health and Safety Authority is to carry out inspections at two centres which featured in a RTÉ Investigates documentary examining standards of care at Ireland's largest private provider of nursing homes.
The inspections will review general health and safety measures at both The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in north Dublin to ensure risk assessments, patient handling and health and safety training are in place.
The inspections come on foot of detailed complaints made to HIQA by two undercover RTÉ carers who witnessed repeated examples in both homes of frail older residents being handled inappropriately or lifted without the use of proper handling equipment.
The concerns were subsequently passed to the HSA as they do not fall under the remit of Health and Information Quality Authority.
HIQA has also confirmed that it is carrying out a review of all nursing homes operated by the Emeis Ireland group.
It also said that following an inspection of The Residence Portlaoise in February, it initiated proceedings to stop admissions to the nursing home.
The provider was advised of this measure in February, a formal notification was issued in March and the restriction came into effect on 22 April.
However, the nursing home was in breach of the sanction after 22 April.
It is understood a flurry of admissions took place to the home in late April, including post 22 April and during which time RTÉ Investigates had an undercover healthcare assistant working at the home.
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Irish Independent
8 hours ago
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