Huge concern following 'contagious skin infestation' at care home in Kilkenny

An unannounced inspection of Kilkenny Care Centre (Newpark, Kilkenny) has found significant issues with infection control, despite improvements in staffing and safeguarding measures.

The inspection, carried out on July 2, reported that “staff were observed to be kind and compassionate when providing care and support in a respectful and unhurried manner.”

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The inspectors found that “further action was required by the registered provider to improve the infection prevention and control governance and oversight of the service.”

They stated that “there were ineffective management systems in place to oversee and coordinate effective outbreak control measures in the centre. This meant that residents were not appropriately safeguarded from the spread of infection.”

The report notes that “a significant number of residents and staff had shown signs of a contagious skin infestation since September 2024.”

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It adds: “A clinical diagnosis of scabies was made by the GP, and a dermatologist review of one case confirmed crusted scabies, which is a severe and more contagious progression of scabies infestation. The Public Health team were notified, and an outbreak of scabies was declared by Public Health on 29 May 2025.”

The inspection found that “the response to the scabies outbreak to date had been fragmented and lacked coordination and oversight, which likely contributed to the persistence of the issue.”

Inspectors also noted that “bedrooms had not been deep cleaned after residents received treatment for confirmed or suspected scabies. This may result in re-infestation and ongoing transmission within the centre.”

The report stated: “Outbreaks were not managed, controlled and documented in a timely and effective manner.”

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Failures included that “residents showing signs of infestation were not immediately isolated pending clinical diagnosis and for 24 hours after initial treatment” and that “scabies treatments were not properly applied or administered as per Public Health recommendations.”

Despite these concerns, inspectors found that “staffing levels were appropriate, having regard for the size and layout of the centre” and judged the centre “Compliant” under Regulation 15: Staffing.

Staff training in safeguarding was also praised, with the report finding that “the registered provider has taken all reasonable measures to safeguard and protect residents.”

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The inspection noted “significant improvements in the supervision of staff, particularly on the second floor” and that this led to “a significant reduction in negative resident interactions and a more streamlined approach to safeguarding residents from potential incidents.”

The inspection judged the centre:

- “Compliant” in staffing, training, behaviour management, protection, and individual care planning.
- “Substantially compliant” in residents’ rights.
- “Not compliant” in governance and management, and infection control.

HIQA issued “an urgent action … with respect to Regulation 27: Infection Control,” warning that “non-compliances … posed a risk to the safety and well-being of residents.”

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In its compliance plan, the provider committed that “the PIC, ADON and CNMs will meet on a weekly basis to discuss the outbreak.”

It also pledged that “all residents showing signs of infestation will commence isolation immediately and remain in isolation for 24 hours after the initial treatment” and that “the entire centre will be deep cleaned in accordance with HSE Public Health’s advice.”

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