Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I know of a mammy who retrained after having children and received a healthcare assistant qualification. She was delighted to get a position in Beneavin Manor. Her delight quickly turned to despair as she witnessed horrors beyond comprehension. Patients were taken to the toilet by staff and left for hours only to die there, and the times and manner of death were brushed over for families. There were many instances of vulnerable patients physically fighting among each other and staff were not trained in de-escalation. Sexual assaults between residents were never reported or addressed and, even more disturbing, staff members were caught engaging in sexual activity in a resident's room. Many staff members took drugs during shifts and even offered her some. Patients were underfed and would be starving and crying.

When she spoke out, management was very dismissive and considered her the enemy within. Her breaking point was when a gentleman was prematurely and unnecessarily placed in palliative care. This happened to several patients. Staff, during conversations with patients' families, pushed palliative care as a preferable option and, of course, family members listened to the experts.

HIQA was notified on multiple occasions about specific abuses, the lack of supplies and understaffing resulting in residents' mistreatment but did not act. Everything went swimmingly when HIQA visited, but the chaotic and neglectful norm would return. She left this job feeling very distressed and traumatised. She believes all three campuses should be shut down.

Everybody needs someone who has his or her back. There is no heart or compassion in this nursing home. It is still about the bottom line. We will all grow old, and this former staff member hopes divine justice will prevail for the many who passed away during her time in the care facility. We need to do something.

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