A CO TYRONE nursing home has been given a notice of proposal to close after failing multiple inspections - with the head of the health watchdog executive describing it as "one of the worst" they've even seen.
Valley Nursing Home in Clogher is due to shut in 56 days after failings were discovered "across the board", according to Olive Macleod, chief executive of the Regulation and Quality and Improvement Authority (RQIA).
A total of 71 patients suffering from a range of serious conditions, including dementia and strokes, are currently in the 91-bedded facility and will need to be rehoused.
RQIA inspections have been taking place since July but a further three took place in December after the home failed to comply with improvement notices, with poor practice found in "governance arrangements, health and welfare of patients, management of infection prevention and control and internal environment".
Ms Macleod told the BBC that it had "not taken the decision lightly" but said the residents "complex needs" were not being met, with no proper management in place "for months".
"This is one of the worst we have ever seen in Northern Ireland," she said.
Three unannounced inspections at the home were conducted in December. These followed inspections earlier in the year. Admissions were suspended in July.
The RQIA said "significant concerns were again noted with regard to the management and governance arrangements of the home, the health and welfare of residents, the management of infection prevention and control and the internal environment".
Valley Nursing Home said it was committed to providing the highest level of care to residents.
"We are continually working closely with the Southern and Western Trusts as well as the RQIA through these matters of concern," it added.
