Irish Examiner View: Not enough being done to protect residents or staff of nursing homes

Outdated regulations and Covid-19 prove a perfect storm

 Oaklands Nursing Home at Listowel, Co Kerry, was taken over by the HSE. Picture Dan Linehan

The chaotic situation at Oaklands Nursing Home in Listowel, Co Kerry, where eight residents have died of Covid-19, is a sad and tragic reminder that constant vigilance is needed to ensure the safety of everyone in such environments. 

A report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) in July on the impact of the pandemic on nursing homes in Ireland found that the regulations governing nursing homes are outdated and must be revised to make them fit for purpose.