Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
596. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the status of a nursing home (details supplied) following HIQA's findings in respect of fire safety issues at the building; if alternative accommodation has been secured for the current residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/24]
View answerEnsuring that the welfare and safety of residents is secured when nursing homes close is of the utmost importance and work to alleviate the concerns of residents must continue.
It was confirmed on 17 January 2024 that HIQA served a section 51 of the Health Act 2007– written notice of proposed decision to cancel registration – with Sally Park, Firhouse. At that time, there were 35 residents in situ. The most recent update received states that there is 23 residents that remain in place.
Cancellation of the registration of a nursing home is not the same as closure. The decision to cancel the registration of a designated centre is taken very seriously and after much deliberation.
The Chief Inspector has been in close contact with the HSE since the notice of decision to cancel was issued.
A date of closure has been set for 21 February 2024 by the management of Sally Park. If at that point there are still residents in situ the HSE is required to take charge of the nursing home until such time as alternative homes are found for all residents and they are safely discharged.
My understanding of the situation is that there is sufficient capacity in the area to accommodate all the residents and, whilst the HSE has a function as provider of last resort, they have not been called upon in this instance to provide support or assistance to the residents and their families.
It is also my understanding that the management continues to work with families to help them find alternative accommodation and make the transition to a new facility as stress-free as possible.
Where problems finding suitable alternative accommodation arise, it is important to note that the HSE, in its capacity as statutory provider of last resort, will always step in where a resident’s needs are sufficiently complex that they are not able to be cared for elsewhere in the community.
The HSE needs to be equipped to deliver that kind of complex care. The HSE will support families in a situation where a private nursing home is no longer able or willing to provide care under Fair Deal to a loved one.
Nursing homeowners may choose to exit the market for a variety of reasons, for example due to retirement. However, it is essential that when nursing homes are intending to close or cease participating in the NHSS, that residents and their families must be consulted with, and given appropriate notice so that new homes can be found and residents can move in a safe, planned way.
There is a legal requirement that providers must give at least 6 months’ notice to HIQA if they intend to close. This provides residents, families and public health authorities appropriate time to respond effectively.
In the context of the nursing home sector, it is also important to note that nursing homes close on a regular basis. Several private nursing homes closed in 2022 and 2023. However, these closures must be put in context of new nursing homes opening. Four new centres opened in 2022 and ten new centres have opened in 2023.
As of the most recent HIQA report, overall, 2022 saw a net addition of 112 registered beds to total national capacity of private beds, whilst 2023 has seen an increase of 490. This is due to the relatively larger size of new nursing homes compared to closures and the addition of capacity in existing homes.
The Role of HIQA
All nursing homes, as registered providers with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), have well-established obligations under the legal framework in terms of the delivery of safe care to residents. HIQA is the statutory independent regulator for this sector and this responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and Quality Standards.
In discharging its duties, HIQA determines through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing home meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status.
In its capacity as the independent regulator of the nursing home sector the decision to carry out an inspection of a particular nursing home and the frequency with which inspections occur at that same facility, is a matter for HIQA to decide. Whilst HIQA has no legal role in examining individual complaints, the Authority does take into account all information it receives, including complaints from the public, when carrying out inspections and this range of information informs a risk-based approach to regulation.
HIQA will always work closely with nursing homes providers to ensure compliance plans are in place to deal with the issues raised in their inspection reports.
I fully support HIQA and their capacity to visit any long-term residential care facility to ensure that the best practices are being implemented and the best supports are being provided to older people. I wish to reiterate that while I am Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People there will be no diminution of HIQA’s role vis-à-vis standards and regulations.
The Government will continue to prioritise the best interests of nursing home residents to ensure that their welfare, care and well-being is ensured whilst simultaneously ensuring that nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone. It is vitally important that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
