The Health Service Executive has taken over the running of a nursing home in Co Roscommon, after concerns were raised about the manner in which the facility was being operated.
Fearna Manor, near Castlerea, was found to be in breach of a number of regulations, during a series of inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) last year.
The HSE has confirmed that it took over the operation of the home this morning.
In a statement, it said it had been notified by HIQA that the authority was cancelling the home's registration and that the HSE had been appointed registered provider of last resort at 10am.
The HSE says it is now working to support residents and their families.
The development follows the publication of a report into standards at Fearna Manor last month.
In it, HIQA detailed how the facility was failing to provide a service that was safe, appropriate, consistent or effectively monitored.
Inspectors said there were "significant issues" around the safeguarding of residents' finances, which had been lodged into an account used to cover day-to-day operational costs.
The report found the registered provider, Castlerea Nursing Home Limited, was not complying with a range of regulations.
These included guidelines in relation to record keeping, management, fire safety, protection of residents and living areas.
After reviewing measures proposed by the provider to deal with the breaches, HIQA inspectors were not assured they would result in compliance with the regulations.
This evening, the HSE said it would ensure the long-term welfare of those living in the nursing home.
Fearna Manor is equipped to accommodate 53 adults in 15 single and 19 double rooms.
It caters for male and female residents in need of long-term care and also provides care to those with respite, convalescence, dementia or palliative care needs.
On the day of the inspection covered by December’s report, 36 residents were present.
Staff interactions were described as positive by inspectors but they raised concerns that shared bedrooms did not promote privacy or dignity.
In addition, the home was found to lack an effective management structure, with many operational roles devolved to third parties who "operated at a distance from the centre".
The report also stated that Caslterea Nursing Home Limited had failed to ensure residents' finances were protected and had not taken action to address issues raised in a previous inspection that took place in May 2024.
