Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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345. To ask the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the matter of a nursing home closure (details supplied) in the interests of residents, who are extremely concerned and distressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30557/24]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Lucan Lodge is a private nursing home, located in South Dublin, which was operated by Passage Healthcare International (Ireland) Limited.

The HSE was notified on Thursday 16th May 2024 by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), that HIQA had cancelled the registration of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home with the agreement of the Directors of Passage Healthcare International (Ireland) Limited, who was the registered provider of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home. Since 10am on Friday 17th May, the HSE, in accordance with its statutory requirement under Section 64 of the Health Act 2007, is required to take charge of the nursing home and carry on its business as if it were still registered, pending alternative arrangements.

This means the HSE is performing its function as provider of last resort.

The HSE assessed the nursing home and has engaged with all relevant parties to explore all options as it relates to Lucan Lodge. This assessment has generated a number of significant issues of concern.

Several fire safety concerns have been identified within the existing infrastructure. In line with its obligations, the HSE have put mitigation measures in place to address immediate risks.

As part of the HSE’s responsibilities, routine water quality sampling was undertaken in Lucan Lodge. Positive Legionella results were returned across the site at very high levels.

In consultation with Public Health, a Water Quality Committee meeting was convened on the 21st June 2024 and an immediate plan was put in place to urgently address the situation including the implementation of immediate control measures noting that further permanent water and heating works are required.

Unfortunately, these measures can only address the immediate risk and will not support the safe provision of ongoing care in Lucan Lodge. Extensive infrastructural works are required to remedy both the fire and the water safety concerns. The necessary work could not be done while people remain in the building.

Due to these issues, the HSE plan is to support residents to relocate from Lucan Lodge with immediate effect with the aim of relocation of all residents to be achieved over the next 4 weeks. There are currently 40 residents in situ. Over recent weeks, with assistance from the HSE, 29 residents have transferred of their own choice to 12 other nursing homes.

I am deeply concerned to learn of the challenges facing Lucan Lodge and understand how upsetting this information may be for residents and family members. The HSE team on site in Lucan Lodge are committed to working closely with residents and family members to explore options regarding a move to a new nursing home. The HSE will work with residents and family members to ensure the transition to new nursing homes respects their will and preference.

The HSE team will be available onsite to residents and family members over the coming weeks to answer any questions. Please be assured that residents’ safety and ongoing care always remains the highest priority.

I would like to thank residents, families, and staff for their continuing co-operation at this difficult time.