Kilkenny Care Centre reponse to scabies outbreak was ‘poorly coordinated’ – HIQA

**HIQA Inspection Reports Reveal Concerns Over Scabies Outbreak Management at Kilkenny Care Centre**

The latest inspection reports published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) have highlighted issues in the management of a scabies outbreak at Kilkenny Care Centre. The centre was deemed to have had a “poorly coordinated” response to the outbreak, raising concerns about infection control practices.

Out of 50 reports published on Ireland’s residential care centres for older people, more than half were found to be non-compliant with key regulations. These areas of non-compliance included training and staff development, governance and management, premises, individual assessment and care planning, protection, residents’ rights, staffing, and infection control.

### Kilkenny Care Centre: Increased Compliance but Infection Control Deficiencies

While HIQA noted an overall increase in compliance at Kilkenny Care Centre, the handling of the scabies outbreak was found to be substandard. This led to new non-compliance in infection control measures.

In its report, HIQA detailed the situation:

> “A significant number of residents and staff had shown signs of a contagious skin infestation since September 2024.
> A clinical diagnosis of scabies was made by the GP, and a dermatologist review of one case confirmed crusted scabies, which is a severe and more contagious progression of scabies infestation.
> The Public Health team were notified, and an outbreak of scabies was declared by Public Health on May 29th, 2025. Documentation confirmed regular contact with Public Health in recent months; however, only one outbreak control meeting had taken place to date.”

Inspectors reviewing outbreak management found the response to be fragmented and lacking in coordination and oversight. HIQA stated that this likely contributed to the persistence of the issue.

Following the inspection, the provider was required to take urgent action to establish local oversight, supervision, and assurance mechanisms to ensure the outbreak was effectively managed.

### Overview of Other Residential Care Centres’ Compliance

Among the other 24 centres inspected, two reports specifically focusing on the use of restrictive practices were found to be fully or substantially compliant with the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.

Additionally, 22 centres were either fully compliant or substantially compliant with the regulations. Generally, these centres were meeting residents’ needs and delivering care in line with the national standards and regulations, according to HIQA.

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The findings highlight the critical importance of robust outbreak management procedures and adherence to infection control standards within residential care settings to protect vulnerable populations.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kilkenny-care-centre-reponse-to-scabies-outbreak-was-poorly-coordinated-hiqa-1810977.html

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