The special pleadings offered by those individuals and agencies criticised in the Leas Cross nursing home report should be taken with a pinch of salt. We know the standard of care at the centre was inadequate because the Health Service Executive (HSE) has apologised for it.
We know there was a high mortality rate. We know health board inspections and review procedures were insufficient. We know Government funding and legislation was lacking. And, thanks to the courageous and committed attitude of consultant geriatrician Des O'Neill, we know that senior citizens are still being subjected to sub-standard treatment in public and private institutions.
We shouldn't be surprised by any of this. The official mindset regarding the rights of elderly people in care was graphically illustrated by the manner in which this Government illegally sequestered their pensions and then sought to retain the money as a contribution towards their upkeep. How can families be reassured their loved ones will receive quality nursing home care when the Government's primary concern is to keep down costs? And when statutory agencies fail to uphold the highest standards, you can understand why private, profit-driven nursing homes follow suit.
There is no deep-seated political commitment to the needs of the elderly. Eighteen months ago, when RTÉ's Prime Time Investigates identified inadequate patient care at Leas Cross, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern promised remedial action and the establishment of an independent inspectorate. An independent inspectorate became government policy 23 years ago. But legislation is still awaited. And the HSE still has inadequate power to close badly run nursing homes.
In its approach to a dysfunctional health service, the Government has concentrated on overcrowded and inadequate A&E services while making ineffectual attempts at structural reform. But what chance do vulnerable, elderly patients have of receiving proper nursing home treatment in such a climate? And when nearly half of our acute hospitals fail to reach adequate hygiene standards, what other grim stories are lurking within?
When the Government stopped providing nursing home places some years ago, it encouraged the private sector to fill the demand by offering tax breaks. Later, Minister for Health Mary Harney spoke of the cost of State subventions and the need to ensure that those with home assets should contribute to their upkeep. Partial privatisation is working against the interests of patients. Professor O'Neill found staffing levels in private nursing homes - and Government funding - to be inadequate.
This report is an indictment of Government neglect and the inadequacies of our health administration. Ms Harney found it to be "very upsetting" because it showed a lack of respect for older people and their dignity. She and the Taoiseach are in a position to do something about that. Implementing Professor O'Neill's recommendations would be a good start.