Owner of two nursing homes in separate court cases

TWO nursing homes owned by the same company are facing separate court actions this month over alleged breaches of care and welfare regulations.

The two homes, Delvin Lodge in Gormanstown, Co Meath, and Castle Lodge, Castlebellingham, Co Louth, are owned by Devey Healthcare Limited.

The home in Co Meath has 98 beds, while the one in Co Louth has 39.

A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive (HSE) said the two homes were being prosecuted for alleged breaches of the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations.

It was also confirmed that the legal action was initiated earlier this year before the introduction of the standardised inspection process in July.

It is understood that the two homes are facing a number of charges including unsanitary conditions.

The court action comes in the wake of the report into conditions at the Leas Cross nursing home in Dublin that found that abuse of elderly people was institutional at the home.

The report also criticised senior health services management.

Representatives of the Leas Cross Relatives Action Group are to hold a press conference later today in a Dublin hotel at which they intend bringing into sharp focus their dealings with the nursing home and the HSE.