Revealed: HIQA Offers No Average Timeline For Kildare Nursing Homes Inspections Run By Emeis Ireland

Formerly known as Orpea, the company operates 27 nursing homes across the country, including five in Kildare.

HIQA has told Kfm that it cannot confirm a timeline for when inspections at nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland in Kildare will be carried out. 

Formerly known as Orpea, Emeis Ireland operates 27 nursing homes across the country, including five in Kildare.

HIQA, which promotes and monitors safety and quality in health and social care services, said the vast majority of inspections are unannounced.

Kfm understands that at least 20% of inspections carried out last year were announced.

A spokesperson told Kfm that all nursing homes operated in Ireland are inspected at least once a year, with 840 inspections of nursing homes carried out last year. 

They said HIQA carries out more inspections in those centres where there are concerns about the care and welfare of residents or where there is repeated non-compliance with the regulations. 

Last year, 36 nursing homes received three or more inspections in response to persistent non-compliance.

When asked by Kfm if inspections at the nursing homes in Kildare will be prioritised, a spokesperson said HIQA has commenced a review of all nursing homes operated by the provider group Emeis Ireland.

They said the practices shown in last night's RTE report were "wholly unacceptable and shocking".

In terms of inspections at Emeis Ireland operated care homes, they said: "While these processes are ongoing and so as not to prejudice the outcome of this work, we cannot comment further until this work is concluded."

In a statement, Emeis Ireland apologised "unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided."

It added: "We recognise and deeply regret the breach of trust that has occurred in relation to the service standards we promise, and for any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. These lapses fall short of the values and standards we set for ourselves as an organisation."

"Emeis acknowledges the serious issues raised in relation to The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor. The findings are deeply distressing, wholly unjustifiable, and entirely unacceptable. We express our deep concern, as the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of residents in our care will always remain our foremost priority," it said.

New admissions have been suspended at a nursing home in Laois run by Emeis Ireland.

The Residence in Portlaoise was one of two homes about which "significant concerns" were raised.

HIQA says "escalatory action" on foot of the programme means admissions have now been stopped.

Meanwhile, a group representing nursing home operators says more protections are needed for whistleblowers.

Shane Scanlan, CEO of the Alliance Supporting Nursing Homes, says HIQA needs to provide more support to whistleblowers who contact them.