Expert panel submits nursing homes report to Health Minister

THE Covid-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel has submitted its interim report to the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

The panel, which was due to hand over its final report at the end of June, has begun on-site visits at a number of homes as part of its review of the management of coronavirus in elderly care settings.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said an interim report of the panel’s findings had been received by Mr Donnelly and is being considered.

“It is intended to publish the report, however no specific timeline has been determined,” said a spokesperson.

The panel was established by former health minster Simon Harris to provide immediate recommendations in light of the expected impact of Covid-19 with regard to nursing homes over the next 12-18 months.

The panel is chaired by Professor Cecily Kelleher, principal of the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, UCD.

She is joined by Professor Cillian Twomey (a retired geriatrician), Petrina Donnelly, group director of nursing at RCSI Hospital Group, and Bridget Doherty, representing the public interest.

The panel invited interested parties to participate in an engagement process by establishing a public call for written submissions.