A relative of a woman who died in a nursing home has called for an inquiry into the number of deaths in long-term residential settings.
Deaths in such facilities represent more than 60% of all fatalities related to Covid-19 in Ireland.
The niece of 84-year-old Rose Hegarty, who passed away in St Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park, called for answers.
Jane Carrigan said she believes a full statutory inquiry might be able to shed more light on the crisis and give residents of such facilities and their families a voice.
Rose’s case was one of 24 Covid-19 related deaths at the Dublin home.
More than 840 deaths in nursing homes have been attributed to the disease.
Ms Carrigan’s call came as the Health Service Executive confirmed a review is under way in relation to a protected disclosure at the facility.
And Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday announced a Covid-19 nursing home expert panel is to be established.
Speaking in the Dail, he said: “The panel will be established to ensure the best safeguards are in place to protect people living in nursing homes.
“It will consist of four members, including a public health expert, a geriatrician, a senior nurse and a public interest representative.”
He added it is critical to examine how the situation has evolved in nursing homes and consider other international experience.
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