RQIA ‘won’t hesitate to take action over Clogher care home

A WATCHDOG body has said it will not hesitate to take appropriate action to ensure that those living in a Clogher nursing home get the best quality care.

It follows claims by the brother of a resident at the Valley Nursing Home in Clogher that the recent report – by the Regulation and Quality

Improvement Authority (RQIA) into the facility – is creating ‘anxiety’ among both residents and their relatives who fear that it may be closed.

Gerry Cullen from Dungannon also disputes aspects of the report and has instructed solicitors to contest any attempt by the RQIA to close it.

But the RQIA have responded by saying the Valley Nursing Home is subject to regulation and inspection by them in line with legislation.

“During our inspection in late October, we identified concerns relating to the fitness of the premises, patient care and management oversight at this home, which has resulted in our current enforcement action,” they said in a statement.

“RQIA acknowledges that this is a very difficult situation for patients and their families, and we are also liaising with partner organisations, including the HSC Board and local trusts, in relation to the ongoing care of all those living at the Valley Nursing Home.

“Everyone living in a nursing home is entitled to the best quality care in a safe and well maintained environment, and where this is not the case RQIA will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”

The report by the RQIA highlighted a number of what it described as ‘significant breaches’ in regulations identified during the unannounced inspection last month.

The enforcement notices were the latest to be issued in relation to the Valley Nursing Home, and followed similar high profile reports in 2019.

Healthcare Ireland, who run the home, have 28 days from the date of the report in which to appeal the enforcement notice.

The company said it was ‘very disappointed’ for the 52 residents of the home and their relatives.