‘They're very good to us here’ - Kilkenny nursing home receives largely positive review

Gowran Abbey Nursing Home received a largely positive review from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) following an unannounced inspection on November 5, 2025.

The centre was found to be compliant in nine of the 14 areas assessed, substantially compliant in four areas, and non-compliant in one area. The centre, located on the outskirts of Gowran village, houses 51 residents. During the inspection, the inspectors talked with many residents and spoke in detail to six residents and two visitors.

Residents were highly complimentary of the centre, commenting: “they look after us so well” and “they're very good to us here”. The inspectors described the foyer and general purpose room as “a hive of activity, with singing and laughter heard throughout the day”. Residents told inspectors about the ''good team spirit'' among the staff, while another resident commented: ''if there is anything I need, they get it for me''. The inspectors observed numerous compassionate, warm, dignified, and respectful interactions between residents and staff throughout the day.

The finding of non-compliance pertained to a failure to notify HIQA of all occasions when “restrictive practices” were used. Specifically, the centre did not notify HIQA of occasions when half bedrails, which the residents could not easily remove, were used, nor of the number of residents affected. Relatedly, the centre was deemed only substantially compliant in the area of “Managing behaviour that is challenging”, for its failure to recognise half bedrails as a restrictive practice and conduct risk assessments before putting them in place.

In its response, the centre made assurances that half bedrails are used as an enabling measure for five residents, at their own request, to enhance independence rather than restricting it. Restrive practices, including half bedrails, were not used in relation to its two residents with behaviour that challenges. The centre stated that risk assessments are in place for all restrictive practices, including the use of half bedrails and for any resident who displays behaviour that challenges. The centre stated that it had submitted retrospective notifications in relation to half bedrails where necessary and would ensure notifications be submitted to HIQA in future.

The report also identified the need for the centre to strengthen its systems monitoring quality and safety, improve fire safety precautions, and rectify inconsistencies in its floor plan submitted to HIQA.