HSE takes over Wicklow nursing home

The HSE has taken over the running of a private nursing home in Co. Wicklow amid concerns for the health and safety of its residents.

An interim district court order was granted to deregister the Glenbervie Nursing Home on Sidmonton Road in Bray.

This is the first time HIQA has taken out such a court order against a nursing home.

Under the Health Act of 2007 an application to the courts can be made only if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk to the life, or a serious risk to the health or welfare of residents, because of any act , failure to act or negligence on behalf of the registered care provider of a person acting on their behalf.

A spokesman for HIQA declined to comment as the case is still before the courts.

The interim order lasts for a period of 28 days and the matter is due back the district court in the coming weeks.

The HSE is now preparing a care plan for the home's 27 elderly residents, and is attempting to secure alternative accommodation for them.