Laois Nursing Home In RTE Investigates Documentary Tonight

Wednesday, 4 June 2025 16:13

The Residence Portlaoise. Photo credit: Emeis Ireland

The documentary looks into the standard of care at The Residence Portlaoise.

A Laois nursing home is to feature in a RTE documentary tonight about standards of care in nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland.

The Residence Portlaoise opened in November 2023 and costs €1,200 per week under the Fair Deal Scheme.

Emeis Ireland, formally known as Orpea, is the leading provider of private nursing homes in the country and is apologising to the families for the findings.

They say they are launching a in-depth review to address the issues in tonight's documentary.

HIQA says compliance plans have been set up for the home and results of a recent inspection are being finalised.

Aoife Hegarty Deputy Editor at RTE Investigates says supervision was an issue observed in the investigation.

Emeis Ireland have sent the following statement:

"Emeis Ireland apologises unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided. We recognise and deeply regret the breach of trust that has occurred in relation to the service standards we promise, and for any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. These lapses fall short of the values and standards we set for ourselves as an organisation.

Emeis acknowledges the serious issues raised in relation to The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor. The findings are deeply distressing, wholly unjustifiable, and entirely unacceptable. We express our deep concern, as the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of residents in our care will always remain our foremost priority.

We have commenced a comprehensive review across both nursing homes. We will not tolerate any individual or systemic neglect, nor any practices that compromise resident safety, rights, or dignity.

We have issued clear guidance to all employees, where required reinforced through targeted training and enhanced supervision through best practice in individualised resident handling, continence management, and safeguarding. Additionally, we are reviewing the oversight and management of medical supplies and clinical practices across all Emeis nursing homes.

Assistance programmes for residents, families, and staff are being established in response to the serious issues identified. We are committed to strengthening our culture of openness and accountability across all of our nursing homes. Staff, residents, families, and members of the public have access to a confidential whistleblower portal through which concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal. All concerns are promptly investigated, reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities, and followed up with individualised safeguarding plans and strengthened oversight to mitigate the risk of recurrence.

Emeis Ireland is determined to take all necessary actions to restore trust, ensure accountability, and drive meaningful, lasting improvements in the quality of care we provide."