Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
757. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to a facility closing in County Waterford (details supplied); the plans she has to keep the facility open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13726/25]
View answerPadre Pio Rest Home, Cappoquin, Waterford has given notice that it does not intend to seek re-registration and will be closing. An NF35 Form, which is a formal regulatory notification required by HIQA, was submitted by Padre Pio nursing home notifying HIQA of their intention ‘to cease to carry on the business of the designated centre and close the centre’. The nursing home is registered for 24 beds and currently has 18 residents in situ. Nursing homeowners may choose to exit the market for a variety of reasons, for example due to retirement. It is essential that when nursing homes are intending to close or cease participating in the NHSS, that residents and their families must be consulted with, and given appropriate notice so that new homes can be found and residents can move in a safe, planned way. There is a legal requirement that providers must give at least 6 months’ notice to HIQA if they intend to close. This provides residents, families and public health authorities appropriate time to respond effectively. This is a voluntary, orderly closure. The nursing home is working with HIQA and the residents. There is sufficient capacity in the area to accommodate the residents from Padre Pio. This is a privately owned and operated business and currently neither the Department of Health nor the HSE has any plan to purchase and/or continue to operate this facility.
