Ferbane Care Centre “a lovely place to live” despite some non-compliance findings

By Rebekah O'Reilly

In a Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspection report, residents of Ferbane Care Centre described the nursing home as a "lovely place to live".

However, the inspection at the local facility also found it was non-compliant with HIQA regulations in certain areas relating to governance, premises standards, and regulatory notifications.

The unannounced inspection of Ferbane Care Centre was carried out by HIQA on August 12 to 13 last, in order to assess the centre’s compliance with the Health Act 2007 and associated regulations.

Ferbane Care Centre, a 61-bed facility operated by Maracrest Ltd, was found to be either 'complaint' or 'substantially compliant' in ten of the assessed categories and was deemed 'not complaint' in the other three categories.

The three regulatory headings that were 'not compliant' included governance and management, premises, and registration notifications.

In the area of governance and management, HIQA noted that “management systems in place did not ensure that the service provided was safe, appropriate, consistent and effectively monitored.”

It found repeated issues from previous inspections, including ineffective communication with residents and staff. Families were not told why a resident receiving end-of-life care had been moved, and residents were “surprised” when building works began at 8am without notice.

The condition of the premises at Ferbane Care Home was also commented upon, with inspectors reporting missing or broken call bell cords, poor layout of communal rooms, and twin bedrooms that did not allow privacy, as well as other cosmetic issues.

Inspectors said that the premises did not conform to required standards and did not consistently “promote or encourage social interaction” or provide “a homely environment”.

The provider was also found non-compliant with registration regulations for failing to notify HIQA's Chief Inspector of several changes to the building’s footprint, including the conversion of rooms and reconfiguration of spaces.

Inspectors also found a number of practice-based issues that led to “substantially compliant” judgments.

The report stated that, during mealtimes, inspectors observed institutional practices that undermined resident dignity.

Most residents wore clothing protectors “despite the fact that many were able to eat independently,” and one resident on a modified diet “was observed to be on a bean bag on the floor while having their meal.” Staff were also seen “multi-tasking when assisting residents,” leading to inconsistent support.

Despite the three areas of non-compliance, residents and visitors spoke warmly of their experiences in the centre.

Inspectors reported that residents described the home as “a lovely place to live” noting that staff were “kind and attentive” and that call bells were answered promptly. One resident told inspectors, “there is no pressure here” while another introduced a staff member proudly as “my friend”.

End-of-life care was highlighted as particularly strong. Residents’ families said they were “accommodated to be present as much as they wanted” and inspectors confirmed personalised end-of-life plans were in place and implemented.

Following the inspection, Ferbane Care Centre management submitted a detailed compliance plan, committing to updating its Statement of Purpose and notifying HIQA of past changes, extensive environmental works, including painting, repairs, new flooring, window cleaning and reconfiguration of shared bedrooms.

Management also committed to re-educating staff on dining practices, resident rights, dignity and confidentiality, as well as strengthening audit processes and weekly oversight meetings, and introducing enhanced activities and improved outdoor access procedures.

Some actions were marked as already completed, while others have deadlines extending to March 2026.