Madam, – I have no wish to pre-judge ongoing investigations into allegations of abuse at the Rostrevor Nursing Home.
My only personal knowledge of this facility relates to medical visits to a single respite patient there almost two decades ago.
Rostrevor had all the appearances of a happy and well-run home at that time, and my patient, long deceased now, had the height of praise for both the staff and individual care that he received.
That said, I believe it is right and proper that the Health Service Executive takes over the management and clinical care at Rostrevor until allegations have been thoroughly investigated.
However, I do not believe that it is any anybody’s interest, least of in all the interest of long-stay residents, to move them against their wishes, and at short notice, to other care homes.
If allegations are made about the standard of care in HSE hospitals, hospices, care homes or mental health facilities, there is no precedent for closing the entire institution and evacuating all patients, regardless of their circumstances or wishes of patients, their families and their carers.
The HSE and HIQA need to show the very same regard for older patients in their care that they demand from those who care for older people.
– Yours, etc