A recent HIQA inspection of a North Kerry care home has produced a largely positive report, despite minor governance and documentation issues.
St Joseph’s Unit at Listowel Community Hospital, which accommodates up to 24 residents, was praised following an unannounced visit in June (04/06/2025).
The Health information and Quality Authority found the centre to be well managed, with a focus on quality improvement and person-centred care delivered by a caring and responsive team.
The inspector reported that residents and visitors spoke highly of the home.
One resident said they “couldn’t wish to be cared for so well,” while another said they “loved their life in the centre.”
Visitors described the care as excellent and said their loved ones were treated exceptionally well.
The unit was fully compliant with 16 of 18 regulations, and substantially compliant with two more.
Under governance and management, the inspector noted that while the management structure was clear, not all senior managers had been formally named on the centre’s registration, as required.
The provider’s plan identifies only the Person in Charge, and HIQA said this does not fully assure compliance with the regulation.
For written policies and procedures, the inspection found that the risk management policy and health and safety policy had not been reviewed or updated within the last three years.
The HSE committed to updating these policies.
Overall, HIQA said St Joseph’s Unit provides a high standard of care in a welcoming and supportive environment for older people in North Kerry.
