Call for change in care for the elderly
Wednesday, 29 November 2006 19:54
The author of the report on the deaths at Leas Cross Nursing Home has called for meaningful change in the care of the elderly.
Professor Des O'Neill told RTÉ that in the absence of such change, similar cases of what he called institutional abuse at Leas Cross could happen again.
He was speaking publicly for the first time about his findings on the deaths at the Co Dublin nursing home between 2002 and 2005.
On the question of accountability, Professor O'Neill said it was not his role to say who was at fault.
However, he urged the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health to accord the same level of scrutiny to all those involved in what he called a major system failure, and he called for the implementation of his recommendations as a matter of urgency.
Professor O'Neill said he expected to see some developments ahead of the 2007 Budget, but it remained to be seen whether the necessary funding would be allocated.
He also criticised the fact that there are no plans for specialist geriatric units in the building plans of the Mater Hospital, St Vincent's and St James's.
He said the provision of specialist services reduced the risk of an elderly person dying by 25%.
Professor O'Neill went on to call for a Constitutional amendment to ensure that older people get proper support and services.
The professor was speaking in Dublin at a conference on best practice in the management of the elderly in residential care.
On a positive note, he praised the medical card scheme for the elderly and the recent BUPA clarification on community rating positions.
However, he said the move from defined benefit to defined contribution pensions was a worrying development.
- Six One News: Teresa Mannion reports that Professor Des O'Neill has called for a constitutional amendment for the elderly to make sure they get the care they deserve
- One News: Teresa Mannion reports on the remarks of Prof Des O'Neill, the author of the report into the deaths at Leas Cross Nursing Home, on the need for significant change to care for the elderly
