Hiqa inspectors raise a number of concerns about Cork care centre

Issues with emergency lighting, an allegation of abuse, a management role vacant for several months and delays with a dietitian referral for a resident found to be at risk of malnutrition were identified by Hiqa in a recent inspection of Glyntown Care Centre in Glanmire.

The centre for older people, operated by Zealandia Ltd, was found compliant in six areas, substantially compliant in a further six, and not compliant in four.

There was a gap in the management structure due to the absence of a clinical nurse manager since a resignation in July 2025. The provider had been actively recruiting for this position since.

Although there was an activities programme Monday to Friday, there were no arrangements in place for social stimulation at the weekends. This had been brought to the attention of management previously, and two residents raised it with inspectors.

A review of rosters also found there was only one housekeeping staff rostered at weekends, though there was no evidence of any reduction in residents’ needs. Cleaning records showed gaps for up to two days. A hoist was unclean, three urinary catheter stands were rusted, and some ensuite bathrooms were not cleaned to an appropriate standard.

Expressed concern 

Hiqa also expressed concern that the provider had not identified an allegation of abuse as a safeguarding issue. It was dealt with through the complaints process and did not have an appropriate investigation or actions, nor was it reported to the chief inspector as required.

All residents had a contract of care in place, but the weekly service charge fees outlined in these did not reflect the amount residents were charged.

Broken privacy curtains in a twin room, inappropriate storage of mattresses in bathrooms, handrails blocked by laundry bins and a layout of some rooms which did not allow for residents to access wardrobes independently were also identified.

Emergency lighting was not functioning at one of the fire exits and one smoke alarm was covered with a plastic glove. The emergency lighting issue had initially been detected 10 days prior to this inspection, but had not been actioned by the provider.

One resident had been identified as requiring referral to a dietitian due to an increased risk of malnutrition, but this had not been actioned. 

Recommendations

The provider said after the inspection that the resident had increased frailty, and staff implemented nutritional supports, including supplements and a fortified diet. A dietician referral was sent post-inspection and recommendations received matched the interventions.

They also told Hiqa that the roster had been reviewed to ensure more weekend housekeeping cover, and both laundry bins blocking handrails and mattresses in bathrooms had been removed, while the broken privacy curtain had been fixed.

They acknowledged that the abuse allegation “was not investigated in accordance with the centre’s safeguarding policy”, and committed to reviewing invoicing details to ensure the charges made to residents matched the listed fees.