Calls for a ‘care partner’ scheme to be set up to enable residents in care – either in nursing homes or hospitals – to have at least one advocate to support them
We were having our own first-hand experience – as with many others – of what IMO president Dr John Cannon termed as “avoidable fatalities and poor health outcomes” due to overcrowding and understaffing in Irish hospitals.
As Beattie points out, care partners are now part of an accepted liaison system in many European countries. As early as September 2020, care partner arrangements were introduced in Northern Ireland as part of visiting guidance documents for hospitals, hospice and care homes. “Yes, we now have legislation which safeguards those with limited capacity, but many people who have capacity find themselves in situations where their views are not respected or abused – whether it is with their place of care, or their finances,” she says. “Article 40.4.1 of our Constitution says no person can be detained without legal process, but we have no legislation underpinning that.
Rickard-Clarke cites situations – familiar to anyone with an elderly relative – where senior citizens in health settings are put into incontinence wear very quickly, or fitted with a catheter with a risk of infection. “This is a huge abuse of dignity and hastens lack of independence,” she says. There needs to be a specific focus on the appropriate healthcare needs of older persons.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mercer and Care included as England name World Cup training squadExeter back-row forward Sam Simmonds has ruled himself out of World Cup selection.
Read more »
Do you agree with our Ireland team to face Greece?Stephen Kenny has some tough calls to make ahead of a big qualifier on Friday evening.
Read more »
Ireland could face ‘tsunami’ of incidents involving e-scooters, AA Ireland saysAgency calls for tighter regulation on their use, including compulsory helmets and registration
Read more »
Dublin man had to retire early to care for his profoundly disabled daughterCiara, aged 28, requires 24/7 care from her mother Moira and father Paul - but the lack of services and support since the Covid-19 pandemic is a serious issue for families like them, according to Paul Read, here:
Read more »