Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall reminded the public that his office can examine complaints about the HSE and all HSE-run centres, including nursing homes.  This follows the shocking scenes in the RTE report on Áras Attracta in County Mayo.  

"I was shocked at the deeply disturbing scenes shown on RTE’s documentary on Áras Attracta.  Anyone who has a complaint about a HSE-run centre, such as Áras Attracta, or a HSE nursing home, can contact my office for an independent examination of their complaint”   – Peter Tyndall, Ombudsman.  

While the Ombudsman can examine complaints about public nursing homes, his office cannot examine the actions of private nursing homes.

The Ombudsman is independent and impartial, and the service is free to use.  Before bringing a complaint to the Ombudsman the individual is expected to have given the public body concerned an opportunity to put the matter right first.  

Complaints can be made:

In writing:        Office of the Ombudsman, 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2  
Online:          www.ombudsman.gov.ie
By e mail:         ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie  

For further information call 01 639 5600 or Lo Call 1890 22 30 30.

For Media Enquiries:

Follow the Ombudsman on Twitter - @officeombudsman