The health watchdog received 4,246 reports of serious injury to nursing home residents last year.

The Health Information and Quality Authority also found 373 cases of alleged, suspected or confirmed abuse in its inspection of nursing homes.

Last year HIQA carried out 814 inspection visits to all 565 residential centres for older people.

Age Action says the reports highlight the need for nursing homes to improve their service when it comes to 'safety and risk management'.

"The report not only highlights the great need which exists for an independent inspection authority, but also the need for nursing home management across Ireland to improve their service when it comes to issues of health and safety and risk management,” Age Action spokesperson Eamon Timmins said.

He added that “this must involve training and supervision of staff and strict adherence to the required procedures and protocols.”