Nurses say claims of ill-treatment untrue

NURSES at a HSE-run nursing home in Co Clare have strongly rejected claims that an elderly patient who died, while in care there last month was neglected or ill-treated.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the HSE is undertaking a review of “practices and procedures” at Cappahard Lodge after concerns were raised by staff, the HSE and other parties about the management and treatment of the patients.

The HSE yesterday said that the decision to hold the review was made in May, just weeks before the death of 69-year-old Gerard Finn.

In recent months, relatives of Mr Finn who had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and angina, made dozens of complaints and allegations relating to his care while he was a patient at the home. It has been alleged that Mr Finn was ill-treated, neglected, received inadequate and wrong treatment and wrong medication.

The Psychiatric Nurses’ Association (PNA) has come out strongly in support of its members at the home and says the allegations by some relatives are “unfounded and absurd”.

As many as 75 complaints were made to the HSE by family members in relation to the care of Mr Finn. Sources have confirmed the complaints were investigated internally under the Trust in Care policy and the allegations were discovered to be unfounded. A garda investigation is also underway.

PNA spokesman Des Kavanagh said yesterday: “We welcome this investigation and we are glad to co-operate in the matter.”

The HSE said that the terms of reference of the review will be completed shortly. “Relatives and other stakeholders with an interest in procedure and policy development in Cappahard will be contacted and will be asked to make submissions to the external review team,” the spokeswoman said.