HIQA inspection finds high-quality care at Dundalk nursing home
The report also called for further compliance in some areas
An unannounced inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) at Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home in Dundalk found that residents receive high-quality care, with many speaking positively about their experiences; but also highlighted that improvements are needed in fire precautions, premises management, and governance.
The inspection took place on November 7, 2024, as part of HIQA’s routine assessments under the Health Act 2007. Inspectors praised the nursing home’s staff and the overall standard of care, but raised concerns about fire precautions, the use of communal spaces, and maintenance issues within the premises.
The 64-bed facility is operated by ACH Nursing Home and Healthcare Ltd and provides long-term, respite, and convalescent care. The inspection report highlighted that residents spoke positively about their experiences, with many describing the home as welcoming, well-run, and comfortable.
Residents expressed their appreciation for the kind and caring staff, with one person calling Blackrock Abbey “one of the best” saying “you want for nothing else here.”
Inspectors observed that residents were encouraged to stay active and engaged, with a range of social activities and amenities available, including a bar, music room, hair salon, and enclosed courtyard.
During the inspection, residents participated in a morning exercise class, followed by an evening baking masterclass. One resident spoken with said that there were lots of activities to choose from and that in particular they enjoyed the ‘chats’. Another resident said they enjoyed the outings, including the many walks in the fresh air and a recent trip to a pumpkin patch on a local farm.
The report found that staffing levels were adequate, with trained nurses and healthcare assistants always on duty, and that there was a good standard of hygiene. Additionally, the centre was fully compliant with resident rights, complaints management, and support for those with dementia or responsive behaviours.
The person in charge, “fostered a culture that promoted the individual and collective rights of the residents. They motivated a creative, caring, and well-skilled team to support residents to live active lives, having due regard to their wants and needs.”
It was also noted that, “throughout the day of inspection staff were visible within the nursing home tending to residents’ needs in a caring and respectful manner. Call bells were answered without delay and residents informed inspectors that they did not have to wait long for staff to come to them.”
The HIQA report did, however, say that “further action was required in respect of the management systems to oversee fire safety in the centre to provide assurance that a safe service was provided to the residents at all times.”
Inspectors found that several fire doors had gaps that could allow smoke to spread in the event of a fire.
Following the inspection, Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home engaged a fire safety company to conduct a full building assessment, with additional smoke detectors and fire door upgrades scheduled.
While the inspection found that there were good governance and management arrangements it also stated that “the statement of purpose did not accurately describe the total staffing complement in the designated centre and inspectors observed that dedicated rooms such as visitors room had been re-purposed for staff use.”
The visitor room, originally designed as a private space for family visits, had been repurposed as a staff office and storage area, meaning residents had limited access to private meeting spaces.
The nursing home committed to updating its Statement of Purpose with “all staff informed not to use room for staff purpose or storage.”
The inspection also found some maintenance issues within the premises. The balcony on the upstairs terrace was deemed too low to ensure resident safety, especially with chairs and planters placed nearby. Additionally, damaged flooring, not identified as a safety trip hazard, was noted in corridors, bedrooms, and bathrooms, which could impact and prevent effective cleaning. Inspectors also observed water stains on the ceiling in one area, indicating possible leakage.
In response to the findings, Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home developed a compliance plan to address the issues raised in the HIQA report.
The statement of purpose was updated to reflect accurate staffing levels, and the visitor room was cleared and reinstated for resident use. Management confirmed that fire safety upgrades, including smoke detector installations, fire door repairs, and risk assessments, would be completed.
To improve premises safety, the balcony railing will be raised to 1.8 meters by June 2025, while damaged flooring in resident rooms and common areas will be replaced by the end of the year. Additionally, ceiling repainting was due to be completed by December 2024.