Nursing homes have been the topic of the Oireachtas Covid Committee today.
A Laois nursing home managed to remain covid-free through their own early intervention.
Droimnín Nursing Home in Stradbally imposed visiting restrictions on 26th Februrary, before Nursing Homes Ireland issued its advice on non-essential visiting on 6th March.
Deirdre O'Callaghan from Droimnín says they knew at the time it was the right decision to make:
Nursing homes 'didn't have a voice' when they were looking for help in dealing with clusters, the Dáil Covid committee has heard.
The Department of Health and the HSE took questions from TDs about the State's response to outbreaks in residential care homes.
HSE CEO Paul Reid admitted that 'very significant changes' are needed in how older people are cared for.
Fianna Fáil TD Stephen Donnelly believes nursing homes didn't get the help they needed in the early stages of the pandemic:
The Department of Health says nursing homes were not 'abandoned' for the month of March.
Sinn Fein's Louise O'Reilly asked if the Department agreed with the claim that nursing homes were left behind in the early stages of the pandemic.
Secretary General Jim Breslin said that wasn't the case:
Man Dies Following Midlands Crash
Storm Dave Leaves Hundreds Of Midlands Homes Without Power
Laois Dairy Farm Submits Planning Application To Retain Onside Accommodation
Westmeath’s Musical Link To Sinead O’Connor Highlighted By Wax Museum Update
Moneygall To Feature On New US Presidents Trail Celebrating Irish Roots
Free Bookfair Returns To Offaly This Weekend
Brighter Weather Could Be On Way Next Week
Westmeath Retailer Criticises Ethanol Wine Conversion
Hauliers Say Fuel Relief Measures Already Losing Impact
Midlands Owned Company Creating World's Biggest Moving Statue
Laois Senator Main Speaker At 1916 Rising Commemoration
Good Friday Tradition A Thing Of The Past - Laois Butcher
Inmate Who Died In Midlands Prison Had Psychiatric Issues
Storm Dave Triggers Nationwide Wind Warning
HIQA Highlights Staffing And Privacy Concerns At Laois Hospital
Irish Rail Warns Of Disruptions On Multiple Lines Due To Maintenance Works
Gardai Attend Scene Of Laois Crash
Laois Lidl Store Given Green Light
Gardai Appealing For Info On Offaly Boat Thieves
Surging Fuel Prices Is A National Emergency - IRHA