HIQA beleives conditions deteriorating at Laois nursing home

HIQA is of the view that conditions at Droimnín Nursing Home in Stradbally are deteriorating, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told. 

The Chief Inspector of Social Services at Health Information and Quality Authority(HIQA) brought an application before the court to remove the home from the nursing home register in September due to the risk HIQA felt it posed to life or welfare. 

The case was listed for mention at Portlaoise District Court today on Friday, October 17. 

Acting for the nursing home, Ronan Kennedy SC, said his client had engaged constructively with HIQA since the last court date. He said regrettably the Chief Inspector was of the view that the risk was continuing at the home and a hearing date would be needed.  He said “various matters have been put in train” since the last date. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the welfare of the residents at the home were at the forefront of his mind.  

Alison Fynes BL said concerns continued at the home following five inspections. She said it was the view of HIQA that “in fact, matters are deteriorating” and she asked for a court hearing date before the November 11 date. 

“There isn’t a court room in Portlaoise available until after Christmas,” said Judge Cody. He said Judge Catherine Ryan would hear the case in Tullamore. 

Ms Fynes said HIQA intends to lodge an affidavit and an update in relation to the five inspections. She acknowledged the fact that the nursing home would need time to reply. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the affidavit should be lodged by October 28 with a reply by November 4 and the books to be sent to Judge Ryan on November 6. 

READ More: HIQA seeks to remove Laois nursing home from register

Ms Fynes asked Judge Cody about an undertaking the home had given at the previous court date not to take on any new residents. Judge Cody agreed that the undertaking was given. 

He adjourned the matter to Tullamore District Court on November 11.