Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A HIQA report on Castlebridge Manor Nursing Home was published this week. It shows non-compliance with seven out of ten regulations. This is the third inspection in 12 months which shows significant non-compliance in respect of governance, healthcare and staffing. I believe this is institutional abuse and elder abuse. It is absolutely appalling that people who are not incontinent are forced to wear incontinence wear for up to four hours at a time because of a lack of staff. In some parts of that home, people are forced into bed at 8 p.m. The personal hygiene of some residents is tended to at 5 a.m. or 11.30 p.m. There is inadequate assistance at mealtimes. There is a lack of staff. There are issues around bedsores. Human rights are being ignored. This report ought to be referred to the Garda in respect of elder abuse and also referred to professional bodies. The directors of homes such as this, which are badly run, must face financial penalties.

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