Manager's absence prompts Hiqa inspection that finds several issues at Cork nursing home

An inspection was conducted in the HSE-managed St Stephen’s nursing home unit in Glanmire, in response to information that the person in charge of the centre had been absent for an extended period, leaving the chief inspector with concerns.

Unappetising food, restricted access to toilets and unfamiliar staff leaving residents vulnerable to abuse were among issues highlighted by Hiqa in a report on the St Stephen’s nursing home unit in Cork for people with cognitive impairments.

An inspection was conducted in the HSE-managed centre in Glanmire, in response to information that the person in charge of the centre had been absent for an extended period, leaving the chief inspector with concerns.

A new person had taken over the role, but the provider had not notified the chief inspector of changes to management as required, a repeat area of non-compliance which was last raised in April 2025.

Written reports on the death of a resident and the use of restraints in the centre had also not been provided to the chief inspector.

Although staff were seen to be kind and compassionate towards residents, care delivery was based on a medical model where people were verbally referred to as patients, not residents in their own home.

The provider had not recruited a new member of staff for approximately five years, meaning there was an overreliance on agency staff — a review of rosters indicated that there were some days where the centre was being operated by agency staff alone.

This meant residents were not always being cared for by staff who knew and understood their care requirements and their behavioural support plan, a lack of knowledge which meant residents were not safeguarded from abuse by other residents.

The activities programme was reviewed and was found to be very limited, which did not ensure that residents were adequately stimulated and had variety to their day — this was also a finding on previous inspections.

There was restricted access to toilet facilities and the external garden, practices which were found to be overly restrictive. The inspector also noted that food “did not look appetising or fresh” and there was a lack of snacks like fruit and scones.

Meals were cooked twice a week and frozen, then defrosted and plated from aluminium disposable containers in front of residents.

'Concerning report'

Cork Social Democrat TD and former clinical psychologist Liam Quaide said: “This is a concerning report, particularly around governance, safeguarding and residents’ rights.

“It is important that Hiqa also found staff to be kind and compassionate towards residents, despite significant difficulties in maintaining consistent staffing.

“Those staffing pressures are a recurring problem across our health service, affecting continuity of care and placing additional pressure on staff. The HSE now needs to ensure the actions it has committed to are implemented and sustained.” 

The HSE assured after the inspection that there will be a detailed briefing of agency staff ensuring they are knowledgeable enough about residents for safeguarding purposes.

They said they have ceased completely the practice of locking toilet doors, are “committed to ensuring fresh, wholesome, nutritious food with sufficient variety is available” and will improve communication with the chief inspector.