Residential facility to be closed following court order secured by HIQA

Louise Kelly

A care centre for intellectually disabled adults is to be closed down over breaches of standards, health watchdogs have revealed.

Our Lady's Unit, which is part of the St Patrick's Centre in Kilkenny, was ordered by the courts to be struck off a list of officially designated homes.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) revealed the unprecedented action was taken last Friday after a series of concerns were raised about standards in the centre, including fire risks.

Our Lady's was home to 28 adults, with many of them living there most of their lives.

Kathleen Lynch, junior minister at the Department of Health, said she was extremely concerned about the issues raised.

"It is of paramount importance that vulnerable residents are safe and protected in what is their own home," she said.

The Health Service Executive has taken control of the home and residents will be moved to new accommodation.

The order to de-register the care centre was made by Kilkenny District Court on Friday afternoon.

It lasts for 28 days and the court will be asked to make a final ruling on the centre.