Staffing a significant issue at two Cork nursing homes inspected by Hiqa

Staffing was identified as an issue in two Cork nursing homes by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) inspectors, who found that residents remained in bed until lunchtime in one centre due to insufficient staff to help them out.

Aperee Living in Conna was found to be compliant in six areas, substantially compliant in three, and not compliant in four. The number and skill mix of staff was “not appropriate” to meet the needs of its 47 residents on the day of inspection.

The activity staff position was vacant, but one of the care staff was assigned to support residents with activities and on the morning of the inspection, inspectors observed one to one activities, a group exercise session, and mass by a local priest.

However, many of the residents told the inspector there was delays, especially with morning care, which meant they couldn’t get up at a time of their choosing.

More than 80% of the residents living in the centre were assessed as having maximum or high dependency needs therefore requiring more care and attention from staff.

The inspector saw that six residents were still requiring personal care by lunch time, therefore they were in bed for longer than the residents would have liked.

Residents who spoke with the inspector said staff were rushed off their feet and they often experienced delays after requesting assistance.

The provider told Hiqa after the inspection that staffing levels have since been reviewed and increased to ensure that residents are supported to get up at a time of their choosing, with additional support during peak morning periods.

Staffing was also identified as an issue at Cobh Community Hospital, with Hiqa saying a review must be undertaken of night time cover for the centre’s 37 residents.

While meals looked appetising and residents said there was good choice, inspectors noted that desserts including ice cream and mousse were melted before being served as they were brought to the dining room early.

Inspectors also said that many of the deficits identified on the previous inspection of May 2025 were not addressed, despite a compliance plan from the provider saying they were completed, including residents having insufficient storage, as well as complaints and their outcomes not being properly recorded.

Another area of concern was fire safety. No simulated evacuations had taken place since March 2025, and one resident required wheelchair assistance for long distances, yet their evacuation plan detailed they would be able to walk in the event of an emergency evacuation.

The provider said after the inspection that the cold dessert serving procedure, bedroom storage arrangements, and complaints policy would be reviewed, that more regular simulated evacuations have been carried out, and that residents’ personal plans have been “redesigned from scratch”.