Owners Of Portlaoise Nursing Home Admit "Administrative Error" Over Admissions Breach

The Residence continued taking new admissions after HIQA had issued a notice to stop.

Emeis Ireland says an "administrative error" was behind the group's decision to continue to allow admissions after HIQA had issued a notice to cease taking in new residents.

The order came from the Healthcare watchdog after an inspection earlier this year.

"We wish to clarify that HIQA had, following an inspection of The Residence Portlaoise, issued notification of a decision for The Residence Portlaoise to cease admissions 14 days from receipt of the notice.  Due to an administrative error on our part regarding the date to cease admissions, admissions continued for 8 days until 30 April 2025 in The Residence Portlaoise.

We reiterate our deep regret and disappointment in respect of the matters uncovered by the programme. Emeis Ireland once again extends a genuine and open apology to all residents of Beneavin Manor and The Residence Portlaoise, and to their families for the pain and distress imposed on them, due to clearly identified failures in care. We also extend an apology to the residents and families in our wider facilities and our dedicated staff members working in good faith throughout the group, who have been let down by these events."

Emeis Ireland says it has taken appropriate safeguarding actions for residents at the two nursing homes after an RTE investigates programme.

The investigation uncovered multiple incidents of neglect at The Residence in Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Dublin.

Emeis Ireland says it's co-operating fully with all regulatory and statutory bodies after undercover footage revealed the extent of malpractice at the nursing homes.

The group has confirmed HIQA and the HSE have visited The Residence in Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor and it's engaging with these agencies.

It's describing the footage which aired on the RTE Investigates programme as both shocking and unacceptable and unquestionably equated to poor and abusive practice.

It's taking steps to ensure the immediate safety of all residents, is strengthening safeguarding systems, improving staff training and competence and is tackling a culture of fear or poor reporting.