THEY DESERVE BETTER

THE abuse of Ireland’s hidden citizens will continue to be repeated unless long-overdue whistle-blower legislation is immediately introduced.

A leading elderly support group and the Minister for Older People made the call after disturbing claims against staff at Rostrevor House Nursing Home were revealed in court documents.

The allegations include serious physical assaults against vulnerable elderly people, the majority of whom are wards of court, cover-ups by some staff, and fears by others that their work visas would be removed if they attempted to report their concerns.

Reacting to the revelations, which have caused a national outcry over how Ireland’s elderly citizens are mistreated, Age Action Ireland spokesman Eamon Timmins said the concerns underline the need for “greater protection for whistle-blowers”.

“If vulnerable residents in nursing homes are to be adequately protected, then those who care for them must be empowered to highlight when sub-standard care is being delivered,” he said.

“They must be protected from any comeback from employers or colleagues.

“Frontline carers have a vital role as advocates for those they care for. Their unique position means they see and hear things that nursing home inspectors are unlikely to be aware of.

“[They] have a moral responsibility to speak up for those who may no longer be able to speak up for themselves,” Mr Timmins said.

The comments were echoed by Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch.

“We need to ensure that even where people have a suspicion of any wrongdoing that they don’t fear for their jobs, don’t fear for their livelihoods in repeating their concerns,” she said.