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WELL-MEANING MEMBERS of the public, horrified by the ill-treatment spotlighted by the RTÉ exposé on Áras Attracta have showered the residents with Christmas cards and gifts.
A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed today that the residents of Bungalow Three – where an undercover camera captured slappings, force-feeding and other forms of mistreatment – have received more than 500 Christmas cards from wellwishers.
The three residents whose cases were particularly highlighted in the programme have been sent flowers and gifts.
“It is a very thoughtful and positive initiative and one that has been welcomed by everyone associated with Áras Attracta,” said the spokesperson.
A campaign to send good wishes to the residents was spearheaded by a Twitter appeal sparked by @DapperZo - and given further publicity by TheJournal.ie columnist Donal O’Keeffe here.
Donal O'Keeffe / TwitterPosted these just now. Please think of doing the same. Details here: http://t.co/CRvDGWQOae #ArasAttracta #Bungalow3 pic.twitter.com/cnYBZQtdEF
— Donal O’Keeffe (@Donal_OKeeffe) December 16, 2014
The HSE and the gardai are investigating the activities of staff members at the care facility in Swinford, Co Mayo. Following transmission of the incredibly upsetting footage of the treatment of residents there, Health Minister Leo Varadkar called it “the worst [abuse] I’ve ever seen“.
Just last week, the HSE tendered for surveillance and security systems for installation at care facilities “in order to enhance the protection of vulnerable clients, patients, service users and staff members”.
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I just want to say a huge thanks to Donal and everyone at the Journal for helping get this message out. And most importantly to every single person who sent a card. It’s not going to solve anything in the system, but I think it sends a massive message to the residents, their families and everyone involved. Merry Christmas everyone!
Xmas cards from Leo Varadkar and Francis Fitzgerald were two of the first cards opened…..
Do these two ever stop giving…
A big merry christmas to all in bungalow 3. And to every one in any care home.
I hope that the cards were read to Mary, Ivy and Mary and that they are not just adorning the wall with little relevance to them. I hope that one of our public representatives has personally apologised to these women on behalf of every citizen in the country and walked away with a real promise that the state will protect them and others.
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