Elderly residents to be relocated from Derry nursing home over water concerns: RQIA

A spokesperson for the RQIA said the enforcement action at the Racecourse Road nursing home followed concerns identified during an inspection of the premises.

“During a recent routine inspection of Greenhaw Lodge Care Centre, RQIA identified serious issues, with the potential to affect the health and well-being of its 39 elderly patients. RQIA was also concerned about the fitness of the premises, and the governance and management arrangements at this nursing home.

"Following our inspection, we directed the management of Greenhaw Lodge to carry out a number of specialist tests, which have confirmed concerns about the quality of the water supply.

"This, together with the significant repairs required to the water system which extends throughout the home, means that patients will have to be relocated to protect their safety, health and well-being while remedial works are carried out," the spokesperson said.

According to the RQIA a Justice of the Peace on Tuesday approved RQIA’s request that, 'as a condition of registration, alternative accommodation is provided for every patient, until works to fully address the concerns at this home are completed'.

"RQIA is currently liaising with the Western Trust and Greenhaw Lodge management to make sure that families and their loved ones are fully informed of the circumstances leading to this action at this difficult time.

"It is our expectation that the management of Greenhaw Lodge and the Western Trust engage with families on choices that need to be made," the RQIA said.

The 'Journal' has contacted Larchwood Care (NI) Limited for a response to the RQIA statement and enforcement action.