‘Deeply concerning’: Kilkenny nursing home ‘substandard’ in latest HIQA report

Multiple serious issues at Brookhaven Nursing Home in Ballyragget were described on Tuesday by a second Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report in six weeks.  

A prior inspection released last month detailed an improperly handled scabies outbreak and the ‘smell of urine’ permeating the facility and although these had been addressed, severe problems in governance and management, resident protection and health care provision remained.

Brookhaven recorded 13 areas of non-compliance and two of substantial compliance without a single area of full compliance from the unannounced inspection which was conducted on October 16 and 20 of last year, 17 days after the previous one.

Inspectors spoke to 10 residents and visitors who expressed concerns relating to the centre being short-staffed, long waiting times for call bells to be answered and large areas of the facility being too cold to be safely used.

Between testimonies and practices observed by inspectors, the report surmised that the impact of these was found in the ‘substandard’ level of care which ‘significantly impacted their safety, well-being and quality of life’.

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Among the most stark points raised were in the area of governance and management at Brookhaven with the centre being described as not ‘transparent in its communication with the inspectors’ in relation to a serious incident which had occurred.

A failure on behalf of the care provider to give full disclosure of an event resulting in ‘serious injury’ to a resident was detailed; something that was a repeat finding from the previous inspection.

The discontent with systems of governance was shared by some family members of residents with one relative telling The Kilkenny People that they “have no faith in whatever management system is in place there.”

They went on to add that “the only managers/persons in charge I ever met were those saying their goodbyes. There have been so many managers that the doors are off the hinges.”

Another worrying incident was reported in the area of quality of health care where the nursing home had failed to identify that a resident was severely dehydrated in the centre.

This person required transfer to hospital and the administration of intravenous fluids while two more residents who were at risk of dehydration didn’t have accurate fluid balance records.

In resident protection, a serious incident was reported to the HIQA Office of the Chief Inspector in August 2025. At the time of the September inspection, the investigation had not commenced and required review.

By the time of the follow-up inspection in October, the incident had yet to be addressed despite the serious nature of the allegation made.

Provision of end of life care also fell short of the required standard with management failing to ensure that residents received appropriate care and comfort which addressed their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Not all residents had access to palliative care or end of life measures from a holistic person-centred perspective and in a dignified manner with the end of life wishes of residents and their representatives not clearly set out within personal plans.

Brookhaven set out strategies to address all areas of non-compliance with the deadlines for these to be achieved ranging from last October to the end of March.

Speaking to The Kilkenny People, Senator Patricia Stephenson (SD), who has been a recent critic of the private care home model, expressed worry over the contents of the report.

“The findings of this latest HIQA inspection are deeply concerning, particularly given this is the second critical report in a matter of months,” she outlined. “Issues around staffing levels, incident reporting and end-of-life care go to the very heart of residents’ safety and dignity.”

“Management must urgently outline what immediate corrective actions are being taken, and HIQA must be satisfied that sustainable improvements, especially in the areas of staffing and clinical oversight are delivered without delay.”

“Residents and their families deserve absolute transparency and the highest standard of care,” Senator Stephenson concluded.

Brookhaven Nursing Home did not respond to requests for comment.

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