Mould, leaks and a hole in floor among concerns raised at Cork nursing homes

Concerns have been raised about two North Cork nursing homes, with issues including a leak, black mould, and a hole in the floor covered with duct tape.

St Martha’s Nursing Home in Charleville, ran by Elder Nursing Homes company, was marked compliant in eight areas, substantially compliant in three, and not compliant in a further three.

Inspectors noted of positives including that residents had access to a range of activities in line with their interests.

However, issues such as residents waiting 20 minutes for dinner and meals being served on “extremely small plates with food overhanging on the edge of the plate”, were also noted.

Other issues identified by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) were largely to do with the building itself. While a number of works had been completed since the previous inspection, some works remained outstanding to ensure adequate means of escape in the event of a fire.

There was general wear and tear to the paintwork and wall surfaces in some bedrooms, which impacted homeliness.

An external storage cabin was cluttered, making it unclear what equipment was in use or for disposal and mould was observed in two areas which inspectors said posed health and operational risks, as visible mould on surfaces could indicate more serious contamination.

An area of flooring in one corridor was torn and covered with tape, which had been identified as a hazard on the centre’s audits, and was a repeat finding from the previous inspection in December 2025.

In the previous report, the provider had assured that the person in charge would repair or replace the torn flooring. The repeat finding raised concern that there were insufficient resources to undertake essential repairs.

The provider told Hiqa after the inspection that works to address issues in the premises were happening on a phased basis, and that flooring replacement would finish in November. 

They added that the cabin will be deep cleaned, a comprehensive investigation conducted to establish the source of mould, and it will be continuously monitored.

Mould was also an issue at the HSE-managed Mount Alvernia Hospital in Mallow. Overall, the centre was marked compliant in eight areas, substantially compliant in three and not compliant in four. While the facility was commended for its social atmosphere, issues with the premises were noted.

Within the east escape stairs, there was evidence of a leak and black mould, while inspectors also saw rusted and corroded shower rails, a lack of call bells in bathrooms, and issues with sinks.

Some storage arrangements were found to pose a fire risk, there were issues with emergency lighting and fire doors, and inspectors were not assured that the evacuation procedure was fit for purpose.

The old hospital-style building had infrastructural challenges associated with its age, but the provider had committed to a programme of works, and assured Hiqa after the inspection that the issues highlighted would be addressed.