HIQA finds Milford nursing home committed to reducing restrictive practices

A Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspection at Milford’s Aras Uí Dhomhnaill Nursing Home found that facility to be compliant in terms of reducing or eliminating restrictive practices. 

The unannounced inspection took place on July 31, with the report published on October 16.

It was a thematic inspection, meaning that there was one area of focus, namely the use of restrictive practices. 

Such practices can be physical or environmental, and they intentionally restrict a person’s voluntary movement or behaviour. 

Physical restraint commonly involves any manual or physical method of restricting a

person’s movement. For example, physically holding the person back or holding them

by the arm to prevent movement. 

Environmental restraint is the restriction of a person’s access to their surroundings. This can include restricted access to external areas by means of a locked door or door that requires a code. It can also include limiting a person’s access to certain activities or preventing them from exercising certain rights such as religious or civil liberties.

According to the HIQA report, a restrictive practice register was maintained and updated regularly in Aras Uí Dhomhnaill.

“It described eight residents as using bed rails and bed bumpers and six residents who had

a lap belt in place to support the residents’ posture and safety while they were sitting in

comfort chairs,” reported the inspector.

“The front door lock was also included in the register. 

“Records showed that appropriate risk assessments were carried out prior to using the restrictive measures, and these were available for review.

“In addition, the inspector observed that where restrictive measures were used, alternatives to restrictive measures had been trialled first, and that restraints were used only when clinically determined.”

The inspector observed that sufficient staff were available to support residents. Call bells were within reach of residents, and residents informed the inspector that the staff attended to their care needs without any delay at all times.

The centre was described as clean and warm, with residents supported to move around the centre freely, as well as having access to a garden and courtyard. 

The inspector found that Aras Uí Dhomhnaill’s policy promoted a commitment to reducing restrictive practices, and there was a reduction in the use of restraints in this centre since the first quarter of 2023.

In returning a finding of ‘Compliant’ the inspector said: “Residents enjoyed a good quality of life where the culture, ethos and delivery of care were focused on reducing or eliminating the use of restrictive practices.”