HSE urged to stop bed closures at nursing homes

The HSE is being urged to stop the closure of thousands of beds at state-run nursing homes.

Health watchdog HIQA is introducing a 'get tough' policy with the health service on homes that do not meet accommodation standards.

Included in the new guidelines is a stipulation that they should not have more than two people sharing a bedroom.

HIQA has already refused registration for two centres and a further 10 may not be allowed to accept new residents.

Age Action's Gerard Scully said that it brings the Government's commitment to public nursing homes into question.

"This has been coming down the road a long time, and the Government have been ignoring the problem," said Mr Scully.

"What's happening now is a crisis is emerging which could have been prevented, so this is why Age Action wondered at the commitment of the Government towards public nursing home care."