Hiqa inspection sparks upgrades to facility in Limerick
STAFF of a Limerick nursing home have made a number of significant improvements to its fire safety measures following an inspection by the health watchdog.
Assessors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) carried out an unannounced visit at St Paul’s Nursing Home over two days in April last.
The report, published this week, reveals the facility was compliant or substantially compliant in all but three areas. Concerns were raised at elements of the centres record-keeping, its governance and management and fire precautions.
Hiqa inspectors reported St Paul's Nursing Home “was a comfortable place to live where residents were known to staff and felt safe.”
“Inspectors observed a relaxed and happy atmosphere in the centre throughout the inspection days. Residents appeared well-dressed according to their preferred style and it was apparent they had regular access to the hairdresser.”
They warned that some furniture such as wardrobes and chests of drawers were in a poor state of repair.
But, overall they stated: “Findings of this inspection were that St Paul’s Nursing Home was generally a good centre, where residents received a high standard of care which was kind and respectful.”
Since the inspection, management at the facility have reported to Hiqa that a number of improvements have been made.
All information on residents are now stored in lockable filing cabinets, with an archive room opened on the first floor. The room is only accessible to authorised personnel, while financial details are stored in a locked cabinet in a dedicated office. This record can only be accessed by the account holder themselves.
Upgrades to the premises are continuing, with the replacement of flooring, sinks and sink units, as well as new shower rooms.
It's anticipated this will be completed by the end of the year.
In terms of fire safety, new designated outdoor smoking areas for residents were being installed, and appropriate fire-fighting equipment including fire blankets would be provided.
An audit of the fire doors in the facility is taking place, while an issue raised around the presence of a key in a ‘break glass’ unit by an emergency exit has also been addressed.
Elsewhere, Hiqa inspectors also carried out an unannounced visit to the Ennis Road Care Facility on the outskirts of Limerick in February.
This nursing home was found to be compliant or substantially compliant by Hiqa in all but one sector.
The watchdog raised concerns over the care plans in place for residents. Since then, a dedicated nurse has been put in place to support personalised care plans.