Laois locals and politicians have reacted with outrage following Wednesday night's RTÉ Investigates programme uncovering 'systematic failings' in a Portlaoise nursing home.

RTÉ Investigates sent undercover health care assistants into The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, Dublin, both owned by private nursing home group Emeis (formerly Orpea).

Independent Republican Brian Stanley TD has 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.

"What we witnessed in the RTE programme last night was shocking and disgraceful," Deputy Stanley said.

"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," he said.

"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," Deputy Stanley argued.

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has said she is “shocked and appalled” by the revelations in Wednesday's Prime Time Investigates exposé.

"What I witnessed tonight is beyond disgraceful. To see elderly people, some of the most vulnerable in our society, being left without even the most basic care — no towels, no gloves, no dignity — is horrifying," Senator McCormack said.

"An elderly man being pushed into a chair like that should shake this Government to its core.”

Senator McCormack reiterated the urgent need for legislative reform.

“We cannot continue to rely on HIQA alone. Sinn Féin has long called for adult safeguarding legislation, mandatory reporting of abuse, and a legal right of entry for social care teams to investigate complaints. Tonight’s programme proves just how critical those reforms are," she said.

“Successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have facilitated the privatisation of care — and this is the result. When profit is prioritised over people, it is our older generation who pay the price.”

Fianna Fáil Sean Fleming TD has called for HIQA to 'step up' in regard to overseeing the management of nursing home providers to ensure adequate care and safety of all residents.

"Poor care, mistreatment, neglect or any other forms of abuse of any person in these long-term residential care centres is completely unacceptable. We must do all we can to protect them,” he said.

Deputy Fleming stated that the 'highest standards of care' is 'the least that should be provided' to residents in long-term residential centres, and anything less than that is 'unacceptable'.

“The welfare of the residents and their families is at the forefront of my thinking.  I call on providers to ensure that proper safeguarding, equipment, and supports are in place to prevent awful mistreatment like this from happening again," he said.

“I would 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,” he concluded.

Fine Gael TD Willie Aird emphasised the importance of registered providers adequately supporting their staff.

"It is essential that effective governance and management arrangements are in place to ensure staff are
equipped to deliver quality person-centred care to residents," said Deputy Aird. 

He said he expects the Chief Inspector to "utilise all powers available and notes the increased regulatory inspection regime by HIQA of the nursing homes at the centre of the investigation, who will remain the subject of more frequent unannounced inspections by HIQA pending full compliance being achieved."

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 also wished to acknowledge the many committed, compassionate and dedicated care staff and providers operating in nursing homes across Ireland.

Nursing home group Emeis have issued an apology to residents and their families ahead of RTÉ's documentary.

"Emeis Ireland apologises unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided," the statement read.

"We recognise and deeply regret the breach of trust that has occurred in relation to the service standards we promise, and for any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times.

"These lapses fall short of the values and standards we set for ourselves as an organisation," they said.

"We have issued clear guidance to all employees, where required reinforced through targeted training and enhanced supervision through best practice in individualised resident handling, continence management, and safeguarding.

"Additionally, we are reviewing the oversight and management of medical supplies and clinical practices across all Emeis nursing homes," said the statement.

Emeis promise that assistance programmes for residents, families, and staff are being established in response to the serious issues identified.

"We are committed to strengthening our culture of openness and accountability across all of our nursing homes. Staff, residents, families, and members of the public have access to a confidential whistleblower portal through which concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal. 

"All concerns are promptly investigated, reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities, and followed up with individualised safeguarding plans and strengthened oversight to mitigate the risk of recurrence," it said.

The statement concludes with a promise to act.

"Emeis Ireland is determined to take all necessary actions to restore trust, ensure accountability, and drive meaningful, lasting improvements in the quality of care we provide," the statement finished.

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