Ms Susan Cliffe:

In 2020, we closed two. In 2021, three nursing homes were closed on foot of action by the chief inspector. One was closed in 2022. Three were closed in 2023. A total of ten notices were issued in 2024. Of those, seven homes have closed and one case is still under appeal. In 2025, one nursing home has closed on foot of proceedings that were instigated in 2024. What that shows is that where we cannot be satisfied that registered providers will take action to keep residents safe, we will use the law and the legal framework available to us. However, we are very conscious a nursing home is home to residents - to a large number in some cases - so decisions like that are only made as the last option. We will work with providers in the initial phase, requiring them to deliver the quality of care they are being funded to deliver.