Nursing home pandemic review
Deputy Ó Murchú highlighted the HIQA report on nursing homes during Covid-19 and called for radical reform, including around Dealgan House. The Taoiseach said an expert review would be on the Minister’s desk next week and would be published and debated.
I wish to raise the HIQA report released yesterday about the overall situation in nursing homes during the Covid-19 outbreak. The report lays out in stark terms how nearly 60% of homes inspected following Covid-19 outbreaks were found to have insufficient infection prevention and control measures, which possibly led to greater tragedy. It speaks of deficiencies in governance and management. It also speaks of the unsuitability of some of the units during the pandemic and their need for upgrading. There were many horror stories from families and staff.
I have spoken to the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, about the testing delays that have become evident in recent days, including at Dealgan House in Dundalk. A few weeks ago, it was able to get Covid-19 test results within five hours. Last week, it took almost 48 hours to get two test results. I am told that prioritised testing facilities that were available to Dealgan House and other nursing homes no longer are. This situation needs to be fixed.
Some of the families who lost loved ones at Dealgan House wish to meet the new Minister for Health. Twenty-two people died in the home during a Covid-19 outbreak. The families want to tell the Minister about the need for a public inquiry to ensure that all problems are arrested and the questions of families and management are answered. I would like the Taoiseach to add his voice to this call and ensure there is action to deal with the problems listed in the HIQA report. Will he address the preparations for a second wave-----
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-----and the radical reform that is clearly needed in the nursing home sector?
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As I said earlier, the expert review report on nursing homes in the context of the pandemic will be on the Minister's desk next week. We will take steps to have that published and debated. That report will deal with the wider nursing home situation. In terms of the testing, if the Deputy has spoken to the Minister I am sure he will follow-up with him on the specifics of the query raised in respect of Dealgan House.