Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The Health Service Executive is continuing to strengthen the nursing home inspection process. Guidelines have been issued to nursing homes inspection teams nationally and the structure of inspection teams is being strengthened. In particular, the Health Service Executive is in the process of developing dedicated nursing home inspection teams which are already in place in some areas. All the mandatory six-monthly inspections will be unannounced. Follow-up inspections may be announced or unannounced. A standardised registration certificate will be used. A significant training programme for all inspection team members is scheduled to commence in January.

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