Whitethorn Lodge Care Home in Tralee remains under regulatory escalation, with the health watchdog raising continuing concerns about the centre’s provider.
Regulatory escalation is an increase in HIQA supervision when a care provider fails to meet certain standards.
An unannounced inspection by the health watchdog in March (4 March 2026) found it was not compliant with governance and management requirements.
However, the standard of care provided by healthcare workers was praised by residents.
The HIQA report states there have been repeated changes involving company directors since November 2021, including 14 notifications of changes to directors or secretary, involving 20 role changes.
At the time of the inspection, only one director was identified on the registration.
The regulator also noted that a liquidator had been appointed to the parent company and that the proposed sale of Whitethorn Lodge had not yet been completed.
The provider told HIQA that the centre was in the process of being sold, that an application had begun for a new provider to take over registration, and that financial statements had been provided demonstrating the company’s stability.
It also said the home had received continued investment over the previous 18 months.
HIQA also found staffing was substantially compliant, but said it was not assured that night-time staffing was sufficient for 68 residents across four wings.
The provider said staffing levels had since been reviewed and increased.
Fire evacuation plans did not show evacuation routes, while some infection-control issues were also identified.
However, the inspectors also found residents’ rights, safeguarding, healthcare, care planning, medicines and the premises were compliant.
Inspectors spoke with eleven residents, who were complimentary about the care they received and the kindness and helpfulness of staff.
They also found that residents had access to activities seven days a week, including group activities, one-to-one exercises, and music and entertainment.