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. “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.”

Age Action appointed a part-time advocacy officer to St. Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit in November. The alleged abuse occurred prior to that appointment. Age Action was unaware of the allegations prior to today.

“We hope that this independent advocacy service, involving volunteer advocates working with the residents at St. Joseph’s, will help prevent further incidences like this occurring,” Mr Timmins said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT EAMON TIMMINS, HEAD OF ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS, AGE ACTION. 01-4756989 OR 087-9682449.