Report blames lack of staff for Leas Cross neglect

The report into the operation of Leas Cross Nursing Home has found that the principal cause for the decline in care was a lack of staff, considering the number of residents at the North county Dublin facility.

The Commission of Investigation has said standards at the home fell below acceptable levels between September 2003 and August 2005, when it eventually closed.

The report has criticised the management and owners and stated the HSE and Health Board knew about the problems but failed to take any action.

This investigation was set up following the broadcast of a Prime Time Investigates programme in 2005.

The vulnerable residents of Leas Cross were "seriously betrayed" by those responsible for managing the home and regulating standards there, according to Age Action.

"From supporting the re-registration of the home to increase the number of beds from 38 to 111 without considering the viability of such a large home and the ability of the home’s management to deal with this, to inadequate inspection, and failure to recognise the scale of the problem at Leas Cross despite having information about recurring problems, the Northern Area Health Board failed in their duty to the home’s residents," he said.