Issues around staffing at St John’s Community Hospital in Sligo have been highlighted by HIQA.
The facility provides residential care for 82 male and female residents over the age of 18.
The HIQA inspection took place in June and the report was published this week.
While the number and skill mix of nursing and care staff in two units was appropriate to meet the needs of residents, in one unit, residents and staff reported that there were times when there were insufficient staff to meet residents’ needs.
This resulted in delays in personal care being delivered.
Inspectors observed that the majority of residents in one unit were in bed by 6.15 pm on the first day of inspection, and while many had high dependency needs and could not tolerate long periods out of bed, some residents expressed they would rather not be in bed at that time.
There were five staff on duty to support 27 residents with maximum dependency, and two residents with moderate needs between the hours of 5.30- 9.00 pm.
Another unit in the centre had similar staffing levels however the dependency levels of residents on this unit were significantly lower.
On the second day of the inspection, there were insufficient cleaning staff available in two units to ensure the premises were clean.
Since the inspection, the person in charge has completed a staffing review of all units.
This review ensured appropriate staffing allocations and the facility has pledged that there will be daily reviews of to ensure the delivery of safe and effective care.
HSE Statement:
St. John’s Community Hospital provides residential care for 82 male and female residents over the age of 18. Residents are cared for, supported and valued within a care environment that promotes their health and well-being. The objectives of St. John’s Community Hospital include providing a high standard of care in accordance with evidence based practice, providing individualised care to residents and their families respecting the choices, values, dignity and beliefs and ensuring that the residents live in a comfortable, clean and safe environment. The centre comprises of five units, Tir na nÓg, Rosses, Cairde, Curam and the Hazelwood unit.
A HIQA inspection took place on June 23rd 2023 and the report was published on the HIQA website on November 15th 2023
The inspector’s found that staff promoted a person-centred approach to care, and actively engaged with residents to promote individualised care which supported residents’ independence and autonomy.
Communication between residents and staff was of a high standard, with residents commenting that the staff team ‘were a great bunch’.
Throughout the inspection, it was noted that the staff were very familiar with residents’ needs and preferences. The engagement with residents was positive and supportive at all times. This contributed to a pleasant atmosphere in the centre, and residents feeling comfortable and safe in their surroundings.
Out of the seventeen regulations assessed as part of the inspection were ten compliant, six substantially compliant and one non-compliant.
The Person in Charge has completed a staffing review of all units. This review ensured appropriate staffing allocations. The Person in Charge will continue to review staffing on a daily basis to ensure the delivery of safe and effective care
The Person in charge completed a review of all residents’ dependency levels in conjunction with residents and staff. An outcome of this review has resulted in a distribution of residents based on dependencies within the designated centre.
Melissa Kelly, Acting General Manager for Older Persons Services HSE Community Healthcare CH CDLMS said “The HSE will continue to work to ensure the delivery of high quality, person centered services to the residents in St. John’s Community Hospital”.
