Dublin: Ireland’s nursing home regulatory system requires significant reform to better protect residents and respond to the growing role of large corporate care providers, according to a new review published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The independent review was commissioned following recommendations from the Minister for Health and the Minister of State for Older People in relation to two nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland.
The review aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework, identify areas requiring improvement and recommend measures to strengthen oversight of nursing home services.
Greater Oversight of Corporate Providers Recommended
A key recommendation of the report is that the Chief Inspector should have greater authority to consider the role of parent companies and nursing home groups when regulating residential care services.
The review also calls for stronger protections for residents by ensuring greater participation in decisions affecting their care, promoting independence and safeguarding their rights.
According to the report, Ireland’s nursing home regulations have evolved significantly over the past 17 years, but now require further modernisation to reflect current healthcare policies and the changing structure of the sector.
Rights-Based Approach Needed
HIQA recommends moving beyond a system focused primarily on minimum safety standards towards a more comprehensive, rights-based approach that prioritises residents’ safety, dignity and overall well-being.
The report notes that the sector has shifted from predominantly community-based providers to larger corporate operators, creating increasingly complex regulatory challenges.
To meet the needs of Ireland’s ageing population, the review says greater scrutiny is needed of corporate governance, ownership structures, financial arrangements and the suitability of providers at both local and group level.
The review also recommends strengthening inspection practices by placing greater emphasis on organisational culture, staff behaviour and the experiences of residents and their families.
While the report concludes that the Chief Inspector’s current registration and inspection processes are generally effective, it states that regulatory practices should be subject to continuous evaluation and improvement.
Inspection Findings on Emeis Ireland Nursing Homes
Alongside the review, HIQA published 54 inspection reports relating to nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland.
The inspections found that many centres were delivering safe and effective care. However, seven nursing homes were identified as having significant challenges affecting the safety and quality of care provided to residents.
The Chief Inspector has directed the management of the affected centres to take urgent action to address the identified issues and improve resident safety and wellbeing.
The Minister of State for Older People said the Department of Health is conducting a detailed assessment of the review’s findings and recommendations.
The minister emphasised that protecting the well-being, dignity and safety of nursing home residents remains the government’s highest priority.
Meanwhile, Nursing Homes Ireland welcomed the publication of the report and called for a balanced, collaborative approach to implementing the recommendations.
Chief Executive Tadhg Daly said the organisation looks forward to working closely with both the Department of Health and HIQA to strengthen the sector.
In a statement, Emeis Ireland reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality care and acknowledged that improvements had been made across its nursing homes.
Irish Samachar English