The Alliance was delighted to be in Limerick City to attend the annual coffee morning in aid of Milford Hospice, organised by Minister for Older Persons, Kieran O’Donnell TD
Huge admiration for the incredible work done daily by the staff at Milford Hospice. Their dedication to providing compassionate care and support to patients and families is second to none.
A wonderful event for a wonderful cause.
Today, The Alliance – Supporting Nursing Homes met with Minister for Older Persons, Kieran O’Donnell TD for a pre-budget discussion.
Our focus was on practical measures to safeguard the future of family-run and independently owned nursing homes – businesses that are rooted in local communities but often lack the economies of scale of larger providers.
We advocated for:
Sustainable funding under the Nursing Home Support Scheme
In 2023 & 2024, the NTPF delivered larger uplifts in nursing home rates. 2025 has seen a slowdown. With staffing, pensions, energy & compliance costs rising in 2026, stronger, fairer uplifts are urgently needed.
Reform of commercial rates
Rates have risen by more than 50% in recent years, crippling community-based nursing homes. A resident’s room is their home, not a commercial unit. This unfair system penalises providers & residents alike. Change is long overdue.
A cost-of-care model that reflects reality
Providers are working in a funding system that doesn’t match real costs. It’s time to move from theory to practice and make amendments to the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2025.
Continued targeted supports for investment
Operators are modernising care homes through digital transformation, new equipment, and essential capital works. To sustain this progress, existing structured financial support schemes must be continued and strengthened, ensuring smaller nursing home businesses can invest with confidence.
Thanks to Sally-Ann Barrett for having our CEO Shane Scanlan on Saturday Focus with Midlands 103 over the weekend.
We had a thorough conversation following the HIQA – Health Information and Quality Authority attendance at the public accounts committee at the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Listen in! 🎧 (interview begins 2 mins in)
Link: https://www.midlands103.com/podcasts/saturday-focus/episode/episode-1512/?autoplay=1
Shane Scanlan (CEO) attended discussions at Houses of the Oireachtas today with elected officials from various parties.
The Alliance is asking for enhanced supports for independent, voluntary and family-run nursing home operators facing financial and operational challenges in maintaining their services and facilities.
Additionally, we are urging for an immediate independent review of both the Health Information and Quality Authority and The Office of The Chief Inspector of Social Services.
🏃♂️Busy Day for The Alliance ⏩️
CEO Shane Scanlan met with the Minister of Older Persons Kieran O’Donnell TD, other main political parties in Leinster House.
The Alliance will never ever stop advocating for a fairly balanced regulated nursing home sector where older persons are delivered high quality care and nursing homes are supported to do so.
It’s time for a independent root and branch review of HIQA – Health Information and Quality Authority to deliver better results for an ageing population.
We are calling for HIQA to be invited to the Health Oireachtas Committee and Public Accounts Committee in the wake of the RTE Prime Time Investigates programme.
Only through these mechanisms can we truly analyse what went wrong and create regulatory support that has a real impact on outcomes for people requiring care.
🎙”2 Tier approach to Nursing Home regulation…we have to question the effectiveness of HIQA🎙
The Alliance – Supporting Nursing Homes contribution on RTE Drive Time in the wake of the Prime Time Investigates exposé.
Take a listen 🎧
Shane Scanlan (CEO) joined Gillian & Anne Marie on Limericks Live95 FM this morning to discuss the recently released RTÉ Investigates documentary.
Take a listen 🎧
Our CEO Shane Scanlan was on Newstalk for a discussion following on from The RTE Prime Time Investigates Nursing Home Investigation
Listen in 🎧
Link: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-newstalk-breakfast/nursing-home-scandal
Shane Scanlan, CEO had the privilege of visiting Valentia Hospital in Co. Kerry, a remarkable care centre that provides loving care to 24 older persons in the heart of Valentia Island.
As CEO of The Alliance – Supporting Nursing Homes, Shane is deeply passionate about highlighting the importance of rural care centres like Valentia Hospital. These centres provide vital, person-centred care in decongregated settings, allowing residents to thrive in their own communities.
But rural care centres like Valentia Hospital face unique challenges, from recruitment and retention to funding and resource constraints. That’s why it’s imperative that our government does all it can to protect and support these rural services.
We must recognise the value of rural care centres in maintaining vibrant, sustainable communities. By investing in these services, we’re not only enhancing the lives of older persons, but also preserving the fabric of rural Ireland.
We would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Stephanie and the team at Valentia Hospital for their warm welcome and dedication to delivering exceptional care.
The Alliance had the pleasure of attending a meeting at Leinster House today with Minister of Older Persons Kieran O’Donnell TD and officials from the Department of Health Ireland.
This significant meeting marks our first engagement with the Minister since his appointment, setting the stage for fruitful collaborations on behalf of our members and the residents under our care.
Accompanying Shane Scanlan (CEO) was our Operations & Communications Manager, Aisling Nestor
The Alliance is thrilled to introduce our new Operations and Communications Manager Aisling Nestor
Aisling brings a wealth of business management experience as well as being a qualified Nurse. With a strong passion for health policy, advocacy, and business development in healthcare, Aisling is poised to assist The Alliance to drive impactful change within the nursing home sector.
In her new role, Aisling will spearhead our business development and oversee our external communications, playing a vital part in our future success.
A very warm welcome to Aisling!
The Alliance is now offering Garda Vetting Services at a special rate of €3 per vetting on a member only basis.
If you own or manage a nursing home:
– Long overdue change: Say goodbye to being overcharged for vetting and annual membership rates
– Industry insiders: We understand your world. We are NURSES
– Continuous support: Education, monthly best practice and regulatory updates
– Hands-on assistance: Onsite consultancy services available
– Reliable partners: Count on us when you need support in your hour of need
For a quote and genuine representation from experienced NURSES for your nursing home and its residents, reach out to us at info@thealliancesnh.com.
Thanks to the National Vetting Bureau for their engagement and support the last few months to reach this point.
