Closure of West Cork nursing home would have a 'massive impact, says councillor 

Delays in completing paperwork by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) could lead to the closure of a nursing home in Bantry that would have “a massive impact” on the local area, according to local Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins.

Mr Collins raised the issue in motion put to the recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District which asked: “That this council write to Susan Cliff, assistant chief inspector of Hiqa to reopen the closed beds at Aperee Living Nursing Home Bantry, which have been passed by fire officers' inspection and fit the criteria to be reopened.”

Serious shortage

Mr Collins said there was a serious shortage of nursing home beds in the area, and people were being forced to travel long distances to visit loved ones as no beds were available for them locally. 

Mr Collins said it was “a great shock” to the community last year when the nursing home went into receivership. He said there were currently 17 beds in the home that could be used if the home was sold.

He said the receiver had identified a buyer for the home and it was now up to standard, but it could not be sold until Hiqa signed off the relevant paperwork. 

Stress

Mr Collins said: “This is causing a lot of stress and worry for staff, residents and their families. Hiqa have dragged their feet too long on this issue. If the nursing home closes it will have a massive impact not only on Bantry but also on Mizen and Beara. 

"I know of one man who has to travel to Kenmare several times a week to visit his wife as there are no beds in the local area, this is affecting people’s lives.”

Seconding the motion, Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy said: “This is a good, community nursing home. It is an essential service. The work is done and the 17 beds need to be reopened.”

Senior executive officer Noreen O’Mahony agreed to send a letter to Hiqa on behalf of members, outlining their concerns.

This article is funded by the  Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.