A representative of the Hibernia Nursing Home Group which owns St Anne's Nursing Home in Ballybay and St Joseph's in Virginia has spoken out about the difficulties nursing homes are facing as a result of the rising cost of living.
According to Jennifer Keenan, smaller nursing homes are finding it extremely difficult and, for some, impossible to cope.
Her comments come off the back of calls by Nursing Homes Ireland for Government to urgently address HIQA's concerns regarding the closure of small nursing homes.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Jennifer warned that private nursing homes can no longer compete with the services of the HSE.
She says as a result, staff are leaving the private sector altogether to take up employment with the HSE because the pay is better:
