Almost two weeks after the Department of Health was approached to provide a report from a ‘Lessons Learned’ review conducted into the Valley Nursing Home closure and transfer of residents to other facilities, it was finally published on August 3.

However, the much delayed document – which deals with issues dating back to 2020 – makes no mention of the substantive concerns including 20 deaths in the immediate aftermath.

On November 4, 2020, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) issued a notice proposing to cancel the registration of home’s care provider, citing serious concerns around care quality and the environment for patients.

Since then, relatives have tried  in vain to obtain clarification that a ‘Lessons Learned’ review had been conducted, and to be provided with a report from this. The matter was raised at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council last month, which led to a number of Press enquiries.

While the RQIA confirmed the review had taken place, it was contended the release of the report was a matter for the Department.

It was first requested on July 21, and the Department initially said the person dealing with it was on leave.

An extension until July 26 was afforded, but this too was missed, and when contacted two days later, the Department advised that the intention was to have a response that day.

Then, on Friday, July 29, the Department said it would be the following Monday (August 1) before there would be a response, but this date was also missed.

Press sent repeated reminders, pointing out the enquiry was seriously overdue, which was answered by constant assurances that the response was pending. Finally, shortly before 5.30pm on August 3, the Department sent a link to the report, without comment or explanation for the delay.

The content of the six-page document was disappointing, and failed to appropriately address the very relevant concerns raised by residents, relatives, staff, the designated GP and public representatives.

Independent Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh branded the report as “scandalously inadequate”. He said: “It’s been an uphill battle for families to even get confirmation this report existed, and a further challenge to have sight of it.

“Now finally released, it is demonstrably inadequate, and doesn’t remotely touch on the concerns families have been raising for two years.

“The fact the Department is not challenging any of our allegations speaks volumes. The authorities are badly caught out, and hoping least said, soonest mended.

“There are questions on how Healthcare Ireland were judged incapable as a result of the Valley Nursing Home situation, yet patients were moved to other Healthcare Ireland-managed facilities.”

Councillor O’Cofaigh added: “The relatives of  residents deserve the truth and to hold those responsible to account. Equally importantly, we need to be sure this will not be allowed to occur again elsewhere.

“This situation reflects the total lack of accountability in our health and social care services.

“It also highlights both the abject failure of private-for-profit delivery and the ‘regulatory capture’, meaning ineffective oversight or regulation of basic standards.”

The Department was told the report is demonstrably scant on detail, and does not mention the deaths of 20 residents in the immediate aftermath of transfer.

Nor is there reference to the insistence on transferring a 90-year old patient receiving end-of-life care to a home almost 30 miles away, where he died the next day.

There is also no mention of patients being transferred to homes with confirmed Covid-19 outbreaks.

The Department was asked to provide the initial Terms of Reference for the review, and to clarify who signed these off.

It was also asked why, given the acute concerns raised by many residents, relatives, staff and the designated GP from the outset, can an explanation be provided as to why such crucially important details – including 20 deaths in the aftermath of transfer – was either omitted or not considered relevant to this review?

Finally, it was asked on what dates did the review commence and conclude; when was the first draft of the report considered, and when was the final version completed and signed off/approved for release?

However, the Department completely avoided answering these questions, with a spokesperson instead responding: “Closure of a care home is always a last resort.

“However, when the regulator reaches a decision to de-register a care home provider, it does so to protect the safety and well being of residents.

“The reasons for closure of the Valley Nursing Home have been clearly set out in RQIA reports.

“The Department has received assurances from the Trusts involved in the transfer of residents from the Valley Nursing Home that every necessary step was taken during the transition process and thereafter to ensure the residents were settled within their new homes.

“There is also no record that any resident passed away as a direct consequence of this process.”

The spokesperson continued: “Issues in relation to the transfer of residents and their care fall into the category of operational matters, and should be addressed by the local Trust.

“The Department cannot comment on individual cases as a resident’s medical record is confidential.

“However, each Trust remains completely open to discussing directly with individual families any concerns they may have in relation to the care provided to their relatives either in the past or in their new homes.