HIQA ‘very concerned’ over nursing home practices

HIQA is “very concerned” at practices at nursing homes described in a recent RTÉ Investigates programme. The Authority was reacting to the RTÉ investigation that focused on two nursing homes, The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin in north Dublin.

HIQA noted that inspection reports on both of these centres are currently being finalised and will be published shortly. But it said that admissions to the Portlaoise home had been stopped “as part of its escalatory action”.

The Authority added that following the programme it had “engaged directly” with those responsible for the operation of the nursing homes.

“Our function as a regulator is to ensure that providers are protecting those who use services and ensuring residents are receiving safe, quality care and support. Accordingly, we will be taking the necessary actions with the provider to ensure safe and effective care and support to all residents.”

In its statement HIQA added that its recently published report on findings from nursing homes over the last 15 years of regulation highlighted “how the vast majority of nursing homes are now providing good quality care”.

“It also shows that a small number of nursing homes struggle to maintain compliance with the regulations. Where there is persistent non-compliance with the regulations or where there is risk to residents’ safety, HIQA’s Chief Inspector takes the necessary enforcement steps which may include attaching restrictive conditions to a centre’s registration, such as stopping new admissions to the centre until improvements are made, or in some cases cancelling the registration of a designated centre.”

In 2024, HIQA refused to renew registration or cancelled the registration of 10 nursing homes.

“HIQA will continue its programme of work in nursing homes and encourages residents and their family and friends to engage with us directly about their experiences so that we can support the delivery of safe and effective care and support. HIQA will continue to engage with all nursing home providers, the Department of Health and representative bodies to drive improvements in the sector.”