'All options will be explored' for two Cork nursing homes to be sold after receivership

The Department of Health said Minister of State in Department of Health (Mental Health and Older People), Mary Butler, is 'concerned to hear of the current situation' at Aperee Ltd

Although the company has promised the appointment of receivers won’t change the operation of the homes, concern about the its future has been growing. File picture

The Department of Health, watchdog Hiqa and the HSE will “explore all options” in relation to two nursing homes in Cork due to be sold after receivers were appointed to them.

The homes in Conna, near Fermoy, and Bantry are run by Aperee Living, which was last year reported to gardaí after residents' money was found to have been used to run some of the company’s homes. That was before the company was taken over by a group of investors last November.

Although the company has promised the appointment of receivers won’t change the operation of the homes, concern about the its future has been growing.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was, according to Freedom of Information documents published last year, warned in September 2023 there were doubts about whether Aperee Living could survive. Officials advised him at a September 5 briefing there was a “very high risk the Aperee Group will cease trading”.

A briefing a few days later warned that if the company collapsed, the State would have to have in place some kind of plan to look after the short-term needs of the company’s residents.

Independent Ireland West Cork TD Michael Collins, who first made the appointment of receivers public on Wednesday, has demanded the State explain what its plans are if these homes have to be sold.

The department has told the Irish Examiner: “The Department of Health is aware of the developing situation concerning Aperee Ltd. The department and the minister do not have a role in relation to any court actions of Aperee Ltd and do not comment on matters before the courts.

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“This is an evolving situation. All options will be explored between the Department of Health, the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) when appropriate.”

The department added that Minister of State in Department of Health (Mental Health and Older People), Mary Butler, is “concerned to hear of the current situation”.

It said: “Ensuring the welfare and safety of residents, their families and staff is her priority. Ensuring the welfare and safety of residents when nursing homes close is essential.

“There is a legal requirement that providers must give at least six months’ notice to Hiqa if they intend to close. This provides residents, families and public health authorities appropriate time to respond effectively.”