Call for government to step in and run Portlaoise nursing home
Motion to come before the Dáil this week on nursing home controversy
There is a call for the state to immediately step in to run Emeis Ireland nursing homes including The Residence in Portlaoise where ‘abuse and neglect’ was exposed following an 'RTÉ investigates' programme earlier this month.
The Labour Party is demanding the government move swiftly to guarantee the safety and welfare of all residents in nursing homes operated by the company and will put forward a Dáil motion on Wednesday to end big business involvement in the nursing home sector.
Labour's Health Spokesperson, Marie Sherlock said: “The reality is that for some operators, generating a good profit margin is prioritised over the welfare of nursing home residents. We cannot allow a situation where some in the for-profit sector fail our elderly.
“There is currently a crisis of confidence in HIQA’s inspection processes and while a review of all Emeis homes is underway, we believe the State needs to take decisive action now to step in and directly operate and manage all Emeis controlled homes. Direct interventions by the HSE took place in a number of nursing homes during the pandemic and it needs to happen now with Emeis owned nursing homes."
Emeis Ireland also operates Kilminchy Lodge nursing home in Portlaoise.
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Deputy Sherlock added: “This needs to be a watershed moment in Irish life and a turning point. Let’s see action from the Government now to introduce comprehensive safeguarding reforms before the summer, ensure HIQA has the teeth and resources it needs to do its job properly, and take nursing homes owned by Emeis Ireland into State control for the health and dignity of older people across the country.”
In June Leinster Express/Laois Live spoke to a former staff member of The Residence, who had to leave her job due to ‘mental stress’. Health care assistant Justine Hibberd said what was shown in the documentary "didn't even touch the surface of the issues in The Residence Portlaoise."