The Government’s response to the pandemic has been blunderbuss and one of the few targeted measures is being removed. None of the Covid-19 Committee or Expert Panel recommendations regarding nursing homes and care of the elderly have been implemented.
Having launched the Sage Advocacy ‘Choice Matters’ report this morning, I questioned the Taoiseach about the lack of support available to older people at home or in the community which is leading to people with little choice but to go into congregated settings.
The proposed practice of allowing only one visitor per week for those in nursing homes and hospitals needs to be reviewed, particularly given the possibility of screening to mitigate risk.
At the COVID-19 Dáil Committee sessions, I proposed to HIQA, HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland that there should be a requirement for a clinical lead to be appointed in respect of every nursing home in Ireland. Such a move would ensure a coordinated medical approach to the health of all residents in relevant facilities.
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris on nurses pay, private hospital capacity and why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a mental health expert.
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris, T.D., on the Government’s response to protecting nursing home residents in the early stages of the ongoing public health crisis.