Law to Change: Nursing Home Parent Companies Accountable After Emeis Ireland Review
Ireland will change laws to hold nursing home parent companies accountable after a review of Emeis Ireland, prompted by abuse allegations. Minister O’Donnell accepted the recommendations, promising an implementation plan within three months. The review found varying care standards, with seven centers facing significant challenges.
The Minister of State for Older People and Housing announced that the law will be changed to hold parent companies of nursing homes accountable by inspectors. This follows the Health Information and Quality Authority’s (Hiqa) publication of the independent Forvis Mazars review.
The review, initiated by Minister Kieran O’Donnell, published 54 inspection reports into 23 nursing homes run by Emeis Ireland on Thursday. Emeis Ireland, a major private nursing home provider, faced controversy last year after an RTÉ Investigates program highlighted allegations of elder abuse and neglect at two of its centers: The Residence in Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Dublin.
O’Donnell welcomed the review’s recommendations, stating a detailed implementation plan will be in place within three months. This plan will address issues such as resident voice, culture, staffing, and notifications, in addition to ensuring Hiqa can inspect parent companies. While some Emeis Ireland centers operated to a good standard, seven were found to have significant challenges in delivering safe and effective care.