Call for permanent takeover of Laois nursing home by HSE

A CALL for Droimnín Nursing Home in Stradbally to be taken over permanently by the HSE has been made in the Senate.

Laois Senator Maria McCormack made the appeal last week, following the HSE’s takeover of the nursing home due to risks to the welfare and lives of residents.

The HSE took over management of the home with effect from 2pm on 4 February, when Droimnín’s licence was cancelled at Portlaoise District Court following an application by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The home had failed a series of HIQA inspections.

Speaking in the Senate, Senator McCormack said: “I really welcome the HSE’s involvement here. It brought peace of mind to residents and their families in ensuring the continuation of care.

“I’d like to see the HSE arrangement at Droimnín to be permanent. The State must play a bigger role in providing nursing home care, because over-reliance on the private sector has not worked."

The Sinn Féin Senator said she would like to see the health minister provide an update on what action has been taken since serious concerns were raised last year, “not just in relation to one nursing home or one company, but what measures are in place to prevent further harm or distress to nursing home residents and their families in the future”.

Owned by private operators Brookhaven Healthcare, Droimnín has capacity for 101 residents but numbers had plunged to only 39 at the time of the court order. The HSE has taken over on an interim basis, pending a decision on the long-term operation of the facility.

In a statement following the court hearing on 4 February, the HSE said it had assumed responsibility for the operation of Droimnín as ‘Provider of Last Resort’ under the 2007 Health Act.

The statement said: ‘Residents remain living in the nursing home and there are no immediate changes to day-to-day care arrangements. The HSE’s priority is to provide stability and continuity of care for residents, while minimising any distress for residents, families and staff.

‘The HSE has put an interim management and clinical governance structure in place, including the appointment of a Person in Charge, supported by senior operational and clinical teams. Arrangements are also in place to ensure appropriate staffing, payroll and clinical oversight.

‘The HSE is engaging closely with residents, families, staff, HIQA and other relevant stakeholders and will continue to keep the situation under review.’