Psychiatric nurses association disturbed by prime time programme

The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has said the revelations in the RTE  Prime Time Investigates programme on a residential care centre for adults with intellectual disabilities in Co Mayo are deeply disturbing and displayed practices that are totally unacceptable.

PNA General Secretary, Des Kavanagh said the incidents caught on camera would shock and disturb the many thousands of nurses working across the country who deliver care to the highest standards of their profession. He said the revelations must also be of concern to the families of those involved and to the wider community who expect clients to be safeguarded from abuse and threated with care, respect and dignity at all times.

'By its nature the work of nurses working in our intellectual disability services can be demanding and challenging. However, these nurses take pride in their standards of training, dedication and commitment to delivering a person centred approach to care that meets the highest professional standards – anything less is unacceptable and tarnishes the work and reputation of all nurses. Ultimately, all nurses must answer for their adherence or not to professional standards and carry the serious consequences for breaching those standards.'

Mr Kavanagh said a number of investigations have now begun as a result of the Prime Time programme.

'These must be allowed to fully investigate the allegations and should have the full co-operation of all those involved. PNA , and indeed families and the local community,' he stated.