HIQA nursing home report ‘devastating’ as full investigation needed, says TD Smith

Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called for a” root and branch analysis” of HSE-run nursing homes in the wake of a HIQA report into operations nationwide.

Deputy Smith said the report published today raises serious concerns about how nursing homes are being ran.

“Anyone who has a loved one in a nursing homes hopes that they are treated with dignity, respect and care,” he said.

“The HIQA report published today shows an abject failure of many nursing homes to do so. It’s clear from HIQA’s analysis that understaffing is a huge issue.

“Labour has long campaigned for better terms and conditions for those who provide care to the most vulnerable.

“Unlike trade union members in the public or private sector, care workers in the voluntary sector have no way to negotiate a pay increase.

“Many have no right to the fundamental employment rights all workers should expect, like paid annual leave, paid maternity leave and access to pension schemes.

“How can Government expect people to enter this line of work when it’s so deeply unfair.

“HIQA identified “clear safeguarding risks” and Government must act now to assure people in nursing homes and their loved ones that there are appropriate protections in place – particularly around resourcing nursing homes properly. We need a root and branch review of all HSE-run nursing homes to get to the bottom of this.”