Concern expressed over failure to investigate nursing home abuse

Age Action has expressed serious concern at the findings of a HIQA inspection into St. Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit in Trim, Co. Meath.

It found that three allegations of elder abuse against a nurse were not adequately investigated in accordance with HSE procedures. The nurse concerned remained on duty until two further allegations of abuse were made.

“Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable people in our community and they depend on all allegations of elder abuse being promptly and correctly investigated,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said in a statement.

“The HIQA report is a cause of serious concern and undermines so much good work being done by staff at the unit and in other nursing home centres around Ireland.”