Hiqa urges action on care abuse allegations

Health watchdog Hiqa has raised concerns over how allegations of abuse at a nursing home were managed.

In an inspection report on the HSE-run St Finbarr’s Hospital, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) said it was not satisfied that an allegation of potential abuse had been adequately investigated prior to it being brought to their attention by a relative.

The hospital, located in Cork City, was home to 89 residents at the time of the two-day inspection last May. The report stressed numerous areas of good practice, said the centre was adequately resourced, and stated that the overall feedback from residents and family members interviewed was “complimentary of the care provided”.