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2006

Standards of care in private nursing homes need legislation now

Date Released: 11 Dec 2006

“The Government needs to publish legislation immediately enshrining the highest possible levels of patient care in private nursing homes, following Mary Harney’s commitment on a fair deal for residents and their families,” declared SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.

“The legislation should also include employment standards for workers - 59% of whom receive no payment for working unsocial hours and 75% do not receive any sick pay – a dangerous omission for employees working residents who are particularly prone to infections,” said Mr. O’Flynn.

“If the sector is to continue to attract high quality well trained staff then appropriate rates need be to be paid across all grades. At present, care assistants are paid an average of only €9.25 an hour and domestic staff, €8.86 an hour.

“SIPTU will therefore be lobbying for the right of all employees to be represented by a trade union and for the Government to establish guidelines for pay and conditions in private nursing homes linked to pay and conditions in public nursing homes,” he concluded.



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