A 35-bed nursing home in Co Kerry will be taken over by the HSE next week after serious governance issues were raised by health watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa). Hiqa confirmed that the management of the home, in the village of Camp outside Tralee, will transfer to the HSE on September 11.
“Hiqa’s chief inspector of social services made a decision to cancel the registration of Aperee Living Camp arising from serious concerns about the governance and management of the centre, and the impact on the care and welfare of residents. In line with the provisions of the Health Act 2007, the HSE will take charge of the nursing home.”
The decision comes after Hiqa highlighted financial concerns at the Aperee Camp facility in September 2023 and raised “serious concerns” about the management of money belonging to residents. Hiqa said Aperee Living Camp in Tralee, Co Kerry, had a “significant” list of creditors, several of whom had refused to provide further services until they were paid.
The HSE said it would work with Hiqa if the home’s registration was cancelled to reassure families and staff and to meet to continued needs of residents. “Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare has been notified by Hiqa that it has cancelled the registration of Aperee Living, Camp, Co Kerry as an approved residential care provider. The HSE, in accordance with its statutory role, is providing support to the nursing home. We wish to assure everyone that our focus at this time is ensuring the welfare of the residents at this private nursing home during this difficult time for the residents, their loved ones and staff.”
Financial Strain and Concerns
The Cathaoirleach of Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District wants the government to investigate why private nursing homes are under financial strain. Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald was speaking in wake of the announcement that HIQA has recommended the HSE take over Aperee Living Nursing Home in Camp. He wants the government to investigate how this financial situation came about and if other nursing homes are under the same pressures. “I’m concerned that if this can happen at one nursing home, it may happen in others. This was not due to substandard care – they’ve always been very highly regarded,” he said.
Cllr Fitzgerald is worried financial concerns at other nursing homes may mean this phenomenon happens elsewhere: “We need to be sure that it’s a one-off and that it’s not something that’s going to become a trend.” Cllr Fitzgerald said the HSE was appointed to operate the nursing home because of financial concerns and not because of the standard of care provided. Family members are eager that the standard of care at the home does not change.
The Impact on Residents and Staff
The takeover has raised concerns about the impact on residents, staff, and the wider community. Management say Aperee Tralee says this development does not in any way impact Aperee Living Tralee as it is under a completely separate legal ownership structure.
In a statement to Radio Kerry News, Aperee Living says: “‘To ensure the continued excellent care of residents at Aperee Living Camp, We welcome the decision of HIQA to appoint HSE as operators. Unfortunately due to the corporate structure of the home, it has not been possible to obtain the necessary funding to ensure the continued operation of the home and to complete the necessary works. The home has an excellent management team and workforce, and we hope that a solution can be found either under the current structure or new ownership. We apologise for upset caused to residents, relatives and staff. This development does not in any way impact Aperee Living Tralee as it is under a completely separate legal ownership structure’.
Staff Concerns
A Kerry TD says staff at a private nursing home, that the HSE is to take charge of, have given excellent service to the community. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae says the takeover is no reflection on the staff and management working in Aperee Living in Camp. “This is a home that has always given excellent service and care and the staff and management there have always given 100% in looking after the residents, so I don’t want this to be seen as any sort of reflection on them,” he said.
Healy-Rae said reports should reflect the care and consideration shown to residents. “We need to be sure that it’s a one-off and that it’s not something that’s going to become a trend. It has always been regarded very highly and the care and compassion that was shown to residents was always top class.”
Looking Ahead
The HSE’s takeover of Aperee Living Camp raises important questions about the sustainability of private nursing homes in Ireland. With increasing demand for long-term care and rising costs, the financial strain on private nursing homes is likely to continue. It is vital for the government and the HSE to work together to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality care, regardless of the ownership structure of their nursing home. This situation underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the funding model for private nursing homes. A sustainable model that ensures the financial viability of these homes and the quality of care they provide is crucial to meeting the needs of the growing elderly population in Ireland.
