Call for HSE to permanently take over Laois nursing home

A Laois Senator has called for the takeover of Driomnin Nursing Home by the HSE, over ‘risk to life and welfare’, to be made permanent. 

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack was speaking in Seanad about the Stradbally facility when she made the call. 

Earlier this month Droimnín Nursing Home's registration was cancelled following a ruling in Portlaoise District Court which came about due to the serious concerns  raised by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) about the welfare of residents.

Senator McCormack said: “Last year, RTE’s primetime revealed issues in the Emeis Nursing Home in Laois, highlighting the undignified and unsafe practices that were putting residents’ lives at risk.

“Meanwhile, another Laois facility has come under scrutiny - Droimnin Nursing Home.

“Driomnin’s HIQA inspections showed they were non-compliant in 8 regulations and compliant in only 2, and last September an application was made to have the license cancelled.

“Finally, a couple of weeks ago, the judge cancelled Droimnin’s license, on the grounds that the lives and the welfare of residents were at risk, and the HSE took over operations and management from 2pm that day."

Senator McCormack continued; “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 Droimnin 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."

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Concluding her remarks, the Senator called for an update from the Minister: “I’d also like for us to have the Minister in to the Seanad for 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."

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack

The HSE previously supplied this statement to the Leinster Express/Laois Live: "Following a direction of the District Court, the HSE has assumed responsibility for the operation of Droimnin Private Nursing Home (4th February), acting as Provider of Last Resort under the provisions of the Health Act 2007.

"This action follows regulatory processes initiated by HIQA and has been taken to ensure the ongoing safety, care and welfare of residents.

"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."