The Health watchdog has found several issues of noncompliance at a HSE run facility in County Leitrim.
The unannounced inspection of St. Patrick’s community facility in Carrick-On-Shannon took place in June with the details published today.
The designated centre provides 24- hour care to 46 residents, male and female primarily requiring nursing and/or palliative care.
The HIQA inspection report highlights that the provider had failed to ensure that there were adequate resources available to complete the fire safety improvement works and refurbishment plan for the centre in a timely manner and in line with the conditions of their registration.
The oversight of fire safety was not robust. The weekly fire equipment checks did not identify a number of the non compliances identified on this inspection.
The management of environmental risks was also deemed not robust enough. For example, Cleaning products were being stored on open shelving in Sheemore unit and were accessible to residents who might enter that area.
The design and layout of some areas of the centre did not meet the number and needs of the residents accommodated on those units.
The provider had failed to complete all of the fire safety improvement works identified in their own Fire safety Risk Assessment completed in 2021.
Furthermore, the fire safety improvement works in the short stay unit which was located on the floor above the designated centre had not commenced to address a number of high risks identified in the centre’s 2021 Fire safety Risk Assessment.
Residents were not supported to exercise choice in their daily routines in two of the three units in the centre.
The person in charge at the facility has pledged to address all areas of concern which were highlighted in the inspection.
HSE statement:
St. Patrick’s Community Hospital provides residential care for 41 male and female residents over the age of 18. The Aim of the St. Patrick’s hospital is to ensure residents are cared for, supported and valued within a care environment that promotes their health and wellbeing. The objectives of St. Patrick’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. St.Patrick’s Community Hospital provides 39 long term care beds to Residents. The centre comprises of three units, Dr.McGarry, Sheemore and Monsignor Young Unit
A HIQA inspection took place on June 14th 2023 and the report was published on the HIQA website on November 15th 2023
Overall feedback from residents regarding the service they received and their quality of life in St.Patrick’s Community Hospital was positive. Residents told the inspectors they were happy and content in their environment and that staff were kind and always attentive to their needs. Children from the local playgroup call into the centre with their teacher and joined the residents for arts and crafts. Some residents told the inspectors that they especially enjoyed the visits by the children, they reminded them of their grandchildren and their own children when they were young.
Inspectors observed that residents in the dementia unit were facilitated to enjoy fulfilling and meaningful lives. Staff had a very good knowledge of residents’ individual life stories, their needs and preferences regarding their care and daily routines and staff interactions with residents were observed to be gentle, kind and respectful.
Out of the eighteen regulations assessed as part of the inspection were nine compliant, five substantially compliant and four non-compliant.
To address the non-compliances the Person in Charge has completed review of the weekly fire register and protocols within the centre. A nominated person has been identified to complete the fire checks in line with the HSE Fire Risk Assessment. This process will be monitored by the Person in Charge which will ensure effective governance and oversite.
A review of décor in the centre has been completed in conjunction with residents and staff. Painting and refurbishment works have been completed in consultation with residents and staff.
The Person in Charge has reviewed and implemented additional activities for those residents whom have a higher level of cognitive impairment. This now ensures that these residents have equal access to social activities.
The Person in Charge will continue to work closely with SAGE Advocacy Service and the National Advocacy Service Team.
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. Patrick’s Community Hospital.
