New directors of nursing home group committed to addressing concerns raised by Hiqa 

New inspection reports detail how Aperee Living will address concerns raised throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The new directors of the nursing home group, Aperee Living, have committed to addressing concerns raised in the latest critical reports from health watchdog Hiqa.

Inspection reports were published on four Aperee Living nursing homes in Cork and Kerry yesterday, but date back to the previous governance structure.

In November, the Irish Examiner reported that the Aperee Living group of 10 nursing homes was to be taken over by a consortium led by Paul Kingston, who was chief executive of the group up to June 2022.

The takeover includes a partially completed site in Glanmire and a Rochestown site in Cork — which has full planning for a 100-bed nursing home and 47 independent living units.

It followed the cancellation of registration for three homes in Belgooly, Ballygunner, and Callan after concerns were raised about financial and governance issues.

The new inspection reports detail how Aperee Living will address concerns raised throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Inspectors confirmed that three new directors were appointed on November 20, 2023, and the previous sole director resigned.

“The newly appointed directors are experienced and fully active in supporting the team in the home with each having specific areas of responsibility,” the reports said.

“Focus and priority are being placed by the new governance structure on the management of fire safety and the systems associated with fire safety.”

Concerns

However, a note attached to these reports from Hiqa states they are not fully assured the plans will address all concerns.

In a report on Tralee, the provider states they expect to see the addition of four directors, and other changes to address previous concerns.

The inspectors said pension agent records have been updated among other changes.

Hiqa also attached a note, however, saying it does not adequately assure them of reaching compliance with regulations.

In Bantry, a September inspection found some fire safety issues were addressed but the highest ‘red-rated’ risks remained.

The centre had not set up a residents’ account which they had committed to doing.

However, money had been returned to relatives of deceased residents since the last inspection.

Inspectors also identified “supportive and caring staff” who “promoted and respected residents’ rights”.

Aperee Living Camp in Co Kerry received an unannounced inspection in September.

The inspector identified there was “not sufficient money in the centre’s bank account to pay the urgent bills”. 

The provider also failed to ensure the centre was tax-compliant, but the report indicates this has since been addressed.

The centre did not have a separate residents’ bank account so their money was in the home’s operating bank account.

Fire safety risks, some of which were first identified in October 2021, had not been fixed. 

Inspectors also saw “residents’ enjoyment and participation” in lively music sessions.

At Aperee Living Conna, fire risks identified in January 2022 had not been addressed during the inspection last September.

At Aperee Living Tralee, concerns were also raised that residents did not have a separate resident’s bank account. 

Staff in both of these homes were praised also by inspectors.