28 residents remain in care centre subject to court order
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) carried out its first ever inspection of Our Lady’s Unit in St Patrick’s in Kilkenny just last week. It immediately sought an order that placed it under the control of the HSE.
The unit is home to 28 adults with intellectual disabilities. Some of the residents have been at the facility for a number of years.
While the inspection detected a number of concerns, including overstaffing levels, the most immediate issue was fire safety at the facility.
The interim court order was granted last Friday at Kilkenny District Court, cancelling the registration of Our Lady’s Unit, St Patrick’s Centre (Kilkenny) Limited, Kells Rd, Co Kilkenny, as a designated centre under Part 8 of the Health Act 2007, with effect from 7pm that day for up to 28 days.
According to Hiqa: “In accordance with Section 64 of the Health Act 2007, the HSE was directed to take charge of Our Lady’s Unit from such time. The matter is returnable to Kilkenny District Court for a final determination.”
The HSE confirmed it was now in charge of the facility and a spokesperson said: “The principal reason for this court order related to the issue of fire safety in the unit, which provides care to adults with intellectual disabilities.”
The HSE spokesperson said: “Since the court order on Friday night, immediate steps have been taken by the HSE to ensure residents’ safety, including extra staff being put in place and €100,000 for immediate remedial works.
“A senior team from the HSE is managing the process in Our Lady’s and working closely with Hiqa to address the issues highlighted and with the voluntary provider to support them.”
However, despite the concerns over fire safety levels, the HSE said no decision had been taken on whether or not to move the residents.
“All options for the unit are being considered and assessed and any decisions taken will be in the best interest of the residents and in consultation with their next of kin,” the spokesperson said.
“No decision has been taken to move residents.”
Minister of state with responsibility for mental health, Kathleen Lynch, was said to be “extremely concerned” about the issues highlighted at the centre.
A spokesperson for Ms Lynch said: “It is of paramount importance that vulnerable residents are safe and protected in what is their own home.
“The minister understands that the HSE has been in close contact with Hiqa to discuss with them how best to ensure the welfare and safety of the residents who have been in the care of this service provider.”
A senior staff member at Our Lady’s Unit said they would not be making any comment
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