HIQA finds mixed standards in nursing homes across Kilkenny

A series of newly published HIQA inspection reports into Kilkenny nursing homes present a mixed picture of care standards.

Serious shortcomings were flagged in some centres, alongside improvements and strong resident satisfaction in others.

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Kilkenny Care Centre (Newpark) was the subject of an unannounced inspection in July which highlighted serious failings in infection control.

HIQA found that management systems to deal with outbreaks were ineffective, leaving residents at risk during a persistent scabies outbreak declared earlier this year.

While staffing levels and safeguarding training were praised, the regulator issued an “urgent action” warning on infection control, insisting that stronger oversight and coordinated responses were urgently needed.

At Tinnypark Nursing Home, inspectors reported notable progress since a damning January visit that uncovered 10 areas of non-compliance.

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By March, four areas were fully compliant and nine substantially compliant, with only one continuing issue.

Improvements were particularly evident in staffing and data security, where previous breaches of residents’ privacy had been resolved. However, care planning remains a concern.

In contrast, St Joseph’s Supported Care Home in Kilmoganny was described as a “well-managed centre” offering residents “a good quality of life.”

Residents spoke warmly of the care they received, praising staff as kind, patient and responsive.

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Inspectors observed courteous, person-centred interactions and attentive service without delay. Only minor issues were noted.

At Archersrath Nursing Home, HIQA found that management had failed to implement necessary improvements between January and June inspections.

While residents expressed satisfaction and the atmosphere was calm and friendly, inspectors warned that governance and oversight were not sufficiently robust.

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