‘Good quality of life’ at Buncrana Community Hospital - HIQA report

HIQA’s unannounced inspection of Buncrana found the facility to be compliant in all areas.

The inspection of the HSE-owned centre at Maginn Avenue, Buncrana took place on December 5, 2023, with the findings published on March 21.

According to HIQA: “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. 

“The overall feedback from residents was positive and complimentary of the staff and the quality of care in the centre. 

“The atmosphere at the centre was lively, with residents engaging in various activities and socialising with each other. It was evident that residents were enjoying a good quality of life in this centre.”

Residents told the inspector that food was of good quality, staff interactions were respectful, and the staff were available when needed. 

Residents were supported to maintain their hobbies and interests, and had the opportunity to express their wishes and feedback at residents’ meetings.

This was an unannounced, focused inspection on the use of restrictive practices. 

HIQA reports: “The inspector found that the centre promoted person-centred care and evidence-based best practices to minimise the use of restrictive practices. 

“Residents' independence was promoted, and they were seen moving freely around the centre.

“The front door of the centre had a keypad lock, and there was a clear risk management process in place to ensure a balance between residents' safety and independence in the centre so that

those residents who were able to leave the centre unsupervised were enabled to do so.”

The inspector noted a sense of community, with residents engaged in activities with assistance from staff if needed. 

The centre had an activity room filled with various vintage items, such as an old fireplace, butter churn, spinning wheel, sewing machine, and record players. 

The inspector reported: “The vintage items not only added to the nostalgic atmosphere but also served as a valuable tool for stimulating residents' memories and cognition.

“This area was also used to help and support those residents who displayed manage responsive behaviours, ie how people with dementia or other conditions may communicate or express their physical

discomfort or discomfort with their social or physical environment.

Care plans were in place and regularly reviewed, and staff were found to be knowledgeable about the needs of individual residents. 

According to HIQA: “Staff attended to the care needs of residents in a respectful and dignified manner.

“Staff interactions with residents were friendly, and they took the time to listen attentively to ensure that residents' needs were met effectively.”