Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Health if he will intervene to keep a nursing home in County Kerry (details supplied) open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38037/24]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health, the HSE and I are aware of the developing situation concerning nursing homes formerly operated by Aperee Ltd.

Aperee Camp/Ocean View is the sixth nursing home from the Aperee group which has been de-registered by HIQA due to non-compliance with regulations. The Chief Inspector has identified significant levels of non-compliance including management of the centre, protection of resident’s finances and fire safety. In line with the provisions of Section 64 of the Health Act 2007, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has taken temporary responsibility for continuing services at the nursing home from 11 September 2024. I met with senior HSE leadership from the South West Health Region, including the Regional Executive Officer, on Friday 20 September to discuss the situation at Ocean View. Ensuring the welfare and safety of residents, their families and staff was the key focus of discussions. The HSE is seeking to provide safe care to residents, families and staff against a background of serious concerns about fire safety at the home. The HSE have duties as provider of last resort under Section 64 the Health Act 2007. The HSE, as the temporary provider, has requested the Chief Fire Officer from Kerry County Council to visit the centre to advise of fire safety and any immediate remedial actions necessary. The HSE team on site is committed to continue working closely with each resident individually, where appropriate supported by family members, to discuss their options in line with their wishes or ascertainable will and preference. Some residents have already identified alternative nursing home accommodation. The HSE is supporting those residents and families. Representatives of SAGE advocacy are available to provide independent support and guidance. The HSE does not own Ocean View and is currently supporting its operation on a specific and limited basis. If there are private investors interested in the nursing home, every effort will be made to facilitate any potential interest.

The HSE has advised Ocean View nursing home staff that should they be interested in employment with the HSE, they would welcome their applications for employment across various public units in the region.

The HSE continues to ensure that staff will be paid in the interim. The actions agreed at the September 20 meeting include:

1. The HSE to immediately contact the Chief Fire Officer from Kerry County Council to visit the centre to advise of fire safety and any immediate remedial actions.2. Once the Fire Officer’s report is available, the HSE will liaise to ensure immediate actions are carried out to reduce fire risk to patients and staff.3. The HSE will continue to offer care and support to residents and families during this interim period.4. The HSE will work with Department of Health Officials to provide appropriate communication to residents, families, media and political representatives.

This is an evolving situation, and the Department of Health and HSE are keeping me updated.

You should please note that HIQA have engaged in a series of inspection visits to Aperee nursing homes. The Chief Inspector had serious concerns about the registered provider’s ability to sustain a safe, quality service.

Inspectors had serious concerns about the overall governance of the centre and the registered provider's ability to provide a safe service for residents. Further significant concerns were highlighted by inspectors relating to the management of the centre, and the protection of residents’ finances.

During each of the last five inspections of Aperee Living Camp (Ocean View), between 2022 and 2024, HIQA Inspectors found this home was not compliant with Regulations 23: Governance and management, and Regulation 28: Fire precautions.

During three of the last five inspections, Aperee Living Camp was found to be not compliant with Regulation 8: Protection.

All inspection reports are available online at the HIQA website: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/inspection-reports