HIQA praises Laghey nursing home after fully compliant inspection
Aras Mhic Shuibhne judged compliant in 16 regulations after unannounced HIQA inspection
A Laghey nursing home was praised by the Health and Information Quality Authority (HIQA) after it was judged to be fully compliant with regulations in an unannounced inspection.
Aras Mhic Shuibhne was subjected to an unannounced inspection in April 2026, and the published report praised the centre’s standard of care and living conditions.
The designated centre, which currently has 45 residents in a site that has capacity for 48 residents and is run by the registered provider, Drumhill Inn Limited, provides care and support to meet the needs of both male and female older persons.
It provides 24-hour nursing care to both long-term (continuing and dementia care) and short-term (assessment, convalescence and respite care) residents.
There is a specialist dementia unit within the centre, and two other suites for the remaining residents.
Fiona Cawley, the HIQA inspector who conducted the inspection, judged the centre on 16 regulations relating to Capacity and Capability, and quality and safety.
Regulations related to Capacity and Capability included Staffing, Training and Staff Development, Governance and Management, Contract for the Provision of Services, Notification of Incidents, Complaints Procedures, and Written Policies and Procedures.
Regarding Quality and Safety, regulations included Visits, End of Life, Premises, Temporary Absence or Discharge of Residents, Risk Management, Individual Assessment and Care Plan, Healthcare, Protections, and Residents’ Rights.
Ms Cawley judged the Aras Mhic Shuibhne to be compliant to regulations on all marked regulations.
Within the report, it was written: “The inspector found that residents living in this centre received a good standard of care, and were supported to live a good quality of life.
“Feedback from residents was that they were well cared for by staff who were kind and caring.
“Staff were observed to be familiar with the needs of residents, and to deliver care and support in a respectful manner. There was a calm and welcoming atmosphere in the centre over the course of the inspection.”
The report continued: “The centre was found to be bright and comfortable throughout. The premises were laid out to meet the needs of residents and to encourage and support independence.
“Residents told inspectors that they were very happy with their bedroom accommodation and general surroundings, which were comfortable and suitable for their needs.”
In recent months, Aras Mhic Shuibhne has been granted planning permission by Donegal County Council for two single-storey extensions to the rear of the property, which aim to provide room for four bedrooms with ensuites.