HSE assisting as Belgooly nursing home residents seek new solution

Development comes after home received a notice its registration will be cancelled

Minister for Older People Mary Butler is concerned about the situation. Picture: Damien Eagers

The HSE is helping residents in a Cork nursing home find new places to live after their home received a notice its registration will be cancelled, however the HSE has not taken it over.

Earlier this year, critical issues were found in Aperee Living Belgooly nursing home by regulator Hiqa. When these were not resolved, the provider was sent notice of decision to cancel registration on September 26 with one month's leave to appeal. 

A HSE spokeswoman in Cork said: “We understand that this is a difficult time for residents and their families, and we will continue to assist them in identifying placements in other nursing homes in the region." 

However she emphasised: “The HSE has not taken over, or been directed to act as the registered provider, for the Aperee Living nursing home in Belgooly.” 

A spokeswoman for Aperee Living said on Wednesday: "The home is managed by local management. Aperee Living Belgooly is in the process of being wound down, and the home has been regularly updating families on that process. 

"We are continuing to work with the HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland to try and source alternative, suitable accommodation for our residents, who remain our top priority.”

Hiqa said the provider can appeal the cancellation in the District Court. 

“Cancellation of the registration of a nursing home is not the same as closure,” a spokeswoman said. “When the Chief Inspector cancels the registration of a nursing home under section 51 of the Health Act, the HSE is required to take charge of the nursing home until such time as alternative homes are found for all residents and they are safely discharged.” 

Minister for Older People Mary Butler is also concerned. 

“If the decision to cancel takes effect the HSE will operate the centre until all residents have been supported to find alternative accommodation,” her spokeswoman said. "Minister Butler is deeply concerned at the level of non-compliance in evidence from the Aperee inspection reports. The welfare of the residents is at the forefront of the Minister’s concerns, and she fully supports Hiqa.” 

Senator Tim Lombard welcomed the HSE’s involvement and called for a review of care in all nursing homes connected to Aperee Living. 

“I know from my own experience that staff have been leaving there (Belgooly)," he said. "We had some residents who have not been re-located, and families are really concerned about the level of care they are being given.” 

The Cork home was raised in the Dáil yesterday by Independent TD Michael Collins.

In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Hiqa inspectors were concerned about governance and management, particularly around residents’ finances. He added concerns were flagged about “continued non-compliance” on fire safety management.