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It is concerning to read Droimnin Nursing Home’s statement following the damning HIQA report, particularly its omission of an apology to the residents and their families who were failed. To dismiss the findings of non-compliance in eight out of nine categories as mere “administrative procedures” and a “dip” in “onboarding and training of new staff members” is a whitewash that disrespects the fundamental rights of residents to safe, quality care. The HIQA report explicitly details how “unsolicited information received by the Chief Inspector” regarding “the quality of care provided to residents including social care, the supervision of staff and the management of complaints” was “fully substantiated on this inspection.” This is not an administrative oversight, it points to systemic failures directly impacting resident well-being. The statement’s assertion that “these issues never compromised the quality of care we provide” is directly contradicted by the HIQA report’s findings. “Residents told inspectors that their rights were not always upheld, including limited choice around their daily routines such as when to get up from bed or to shower.” This is a direct breach of dignity and autonomy, not an administrative hiccup. “Residents were not always supervised in communal areas, call bells were not within reach for some residents, leaving them unable to request help when needed. This posed a risk to their safety and did not uphold their dignity.” This is a critical safety failure, not just a training issue. Residents expressed “dissatisfaction with the provision of meaningful activities and the level of attentiveness from staff, which they attributed to staff being busy.” This points to inadequate staffing levels or poor staff deployment, directly affecting the quality of daily life and care. The fact that HIQA inspectors “had to get a staff member to assist a resident at one point during the inspection” further highlights the impact of these “non-compliances” on residents’ immediate care needs. For Droimnin Nursing Home to frame these issues as administrative and then claim they “never compromised the quality of care” demonstrates a profound disconnect from the reality experienced by their residents. A sincere commitment to “continuous improvement” would begin with an honest acknowledgment of failure, a sincere apology to those affected, and a transparent outline of how they will genuinely uphold residents’ rights and ensure consistent, high-quality, and safe care, rather than downplaying serious breaches. #HumanRightsDoNotGrowOld #SafeguardingLawsNow
Who Watches the Watchers? 