FG calls for patients' watchdog

An independent watchdog should be set up to protect nursing home patients against abuses, the Dáil heard today.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said every incident involving mistreatment of elderly patients must be reported to authorities and acted upon.

He said to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern: “Why can't you show effective Government response for these vulnerable people. Why don’t we set up an independent Patient Safety Authority which will focus on the welfare of the patient and not be clouded by cover-ups between the health system and the department.

“There should be no messing with people who didn’t report incidents in which unfortunate patients who suffered and died in Leas Cross and other possible Leas Crosses around the country?”

Leas Cross nursing home in north Dublin was shut down in August 2005 after sub-standard care was highlighted by RTÉ’s Prime Time programme.

A report into the facility has not been published because the Health Service Executive believes it is not fully completed.

Health Minister Mary Harney, who has asked its author Professor Des O’Neill to work with the HSE on the issue, may release its findings under Dáil privilege.

Mr Ahern denied any cover-up at the north Dublin facility and added: “As soon as Leas Cross came to light, it was closed down.”

He added that 32 elder abuse officers have been recruited and inspection teams were carrying out more unannounced visits at nursing homes.

He said he expected that management and staff in all nursing homes would comply fully with the new regulations and standards.

New legislation was also on the way to put the social services sector on a statutory basis.

Sinn Fein’s Dáil leader Caoimhghin O'Caolain also predicted "hell" in overcrowded Accident & Emergency units around the country this winter.