HIQA Chief Shocked by RTÉ Nursing Home Exposé

HIQA CHIEF EXECUTIVE Angela Fitzgerald described the RTÉ Investigates programme on two nursing homes run by Emeis Ireland as the worst she had seen in her role. She apologized for the poor treatment and practices highlighted in the program, acknowledging that public confidence in Hiqa had been damaged. Fitzgerald admitted that more needs to be done as a regulator.

During a hearing with the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee, Fitzgerald expressed shock at the behaviors witnessed in the homes, stating that they were truly shocking and should never have happened. The program, which aired in June, revealed abuses at The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin.

Emeis Ireland, previously known as Orpea, operates 27 nursing homes in Ireland. Hiqa received almost 200 notifications of abuse at Beneavin Manor and 40 at The Residence between 2022 and June this year. Despite the revelations, both homes remain open with limits on admissions.

Questions were raised about Hiqa's effectiveness as an inspection body, with concerns about how such mistreatment could occur after 20 years of its existence. Hiqa officials stated that over 80% of nursing home visits are unannounced, but admitted that uncovering the issues without undercover inspections would be challenging.

Seven nursing homes were closed in 2024 due to non-compliance findings, highlighting the need for stricter regulatory actions. Hiqa officials mentioned that they are unsure about the legality of carrying out undercover inspections and would investigate further.

According to the source: The Journal.