Elderly abuse victims urged to contact new helpline

People who feel they or their relatives have been mistreated in Irish nursing homes are being encouraged to call a new helpline due to be formally launched tomorrow.

The helpline (1800 940 010) has been set up specifically for Irish complainants by a British group called Action on Elder Abuse.

The organisation, which already operates an identical helpline in Britain, said today that it had received several with calls relating to Irish nursing homes since the airing of last night's Prime Time documentary.

The programme highlighted appalling conditions and a sub-standard level of care at the Leas Cross nursing home in Swords, Co Dublin.