Sir, – I was a member of the working group that devised the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland on behalf of the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa). I am ashamed that these same standards are being used as an excuse by the HSE for the closure of the units in Crooksling (Dublin) and Abbeyleix, with further closures imminent in the New Year.
It is ironic that the HSE chooses to implement the elements of the standards that will save money rather than those that will meaningfully improve the lives of older people in the care of the State. – Yours, etc,