More than 90% of nursing homes reported Covid-19 cases last year

Nursing homes notified Hiqa’s chief inspector of 1,895 unexpected deaths last year, with the highest number occurring in January and February, according to the State’s regulator for the sector.

This number was similar to 2020 (1,833) but significantly higher than the 703 unexpected deaths reported before the pandemic in 2019.

More than 90 per cent of nursing homes reported a case of Covid-19 last year, just 53 of the 567 nursing homes did not report a confirmed case, while 319 notified cases on multiple occasions during the year, the Health Information and Quality Authority said. A small number (13) reported cases that turned out not to be Covid-19.

Covid-19 also cut a swathe through centres for people with disabilities, with 93 per cent of centres submitting a notification to Hiqa in 2021, according to its annual report for last year.

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There were 94 unexpected deaths in the centres in 2021, down from the 100 reported the previous year but higher than the pre-pandemic 79 figure recorded in 2019.

In 2021, Hiqa published 113 evidence synthesis reviews or pieces of advice on Covid-19 for the Minister for Health, Department of Health and National Public Health Emergency Team. “This work shows the value and importance of using scientific evidence to shape the public health decision-making process,” said chief executive Angela Fitzgerald.

Hiqa conducted 1,048 inspections of centres for people with disabilities last year, and found 77 per cent were compliant. The main areas of noncompliance related to staff training, and infection prevention and control measures and plans.

Two centres, one operated by Camphill Communities of Ireland and the other by Stepping Stones Residential Care Ltd, had their registrations cancelled due to the seriousness of concerns raised by inspectors.

Hiqa says the number of nursing homes fell by six between 2020 and 2021, but the number of beds in these homes remained static.

A total of 555 inspections of 456 nursing homes were carried out last year. Concerns about the care and welfare of residents in a small number of nursing homes led to more than two inspections; 13 homes received three or more inspections.

Hiqa received 1,024 unsolicited “concerns” about the running of nursing homes in 2021, down 16 per cent on the previous year. Most came from relatives of residents.

“2021 was a busy year for Hiqa,” Ms Fitzgerald commented. “As we prepare to take on new roles and responsibilities in a number of new areas – including through the commencement of the Patient Safety Bill and the inspection of international protection accommodation services – we remain committed to protecting and upholding the human rights of all people using health and social care services in Ireland.”