The Health Service Executive Northern Area will today transfer a new qualified nursing team into Leas Cross nursing home as the controversy continues over care standards in the sector.
Senior nurses have been seconded from various hospices in north Co Dublin to work under a new director of nursing, Ms Mary Flanagan. The move comes amid claims from the Taoiseach that the HSE had been "duped" by management at Leas Cross about conditions there.
Mr Ahern told the Dáil that the health authority had raised concerns with management. "They believed they were making progress in getting these rectified. They now believe they were being duped."
As well as announcing a new director of nursing yesterday, the HSE established a national helpline for people concerned about older people residing in nursing homes and elsewhere.
About 70 calls had been made to the helpline (1800-77 77 37) by yesterday evening, according to a HSE spokeswoman. "The majority were voicing general concerns rather than specific problems," she added.
Up to 500 calls had also been made by yesterday evening to a helpline (1800-940 010) set up by Action on Elder Abuse.
A spokeswoman for the UK-based campaign group said the complaints related to more than 20 care homes throughout Ireland, and included an allegation of sexual abuse, and numerous complaints about the use of inappropriate restraints, and lack of feeding. Ms Flanagan, who is being appointed to Leas Cross in tandem with a HSE takeover of management at the private nursing home, is currently director of nursing at the 150-bed Claremont complex in Glasnevin.
She replaces Ms Denise Cogley, who will remain on the staff at Leas Cross and work through the new director, according to the HSE.
A HSE spokesman said its plans to establish an independent inquiry team were "well advanced", and a facilitator would be made available shortly to meet affected families.
The community development group Muintir na Tíre added its voice to those calling for an independent inspection system to be immediately established.
"Older people who must live out their lives in nursing homes are extremely vulnerable and defenceless. Many of the victims and their families are often afraid to speak out for fear of bullying and of being excluded from such homes," the organisation said.
The Women's Health Council, which carried out a review of the nursing home sector in 2002, expressed concern at the conditions highlighted in this week's undercover RTÉ Prime Time investigation.
The council's director Geraldine Luddy said legislative reforms should be implemented as a matter of urgency, adding: "Women, due to their longer longevity, generally comprise the overwhelming majority of nursing home residents. Therefore, they are likely to be disproportionately affected by unsatisfactory care."
