Carndonagh Community Hospital earns top marks in HIQA inspection
Inspectors find HSE-run facility fully compliant with all regulations and highlight excellent care, resident wellbeing and the welcoming environment
Carndonagh Community Hospital has received another glowing report from HIQA, the Health Information and Quality Authority.
Inspectors carried out an unannounced inspection of the centre in March and found it fully compliant with all regulations under the Health Acts. The HSE-run facility had 42 residents and four vacancies on the day of the inspection, mainly women and men aged 65 and over.
The centre comprises three units - the Oak and Elm wards and the Ard Aoibhinn unit, the latter of which specialises in caring for residents living with dementia. The single-storey hospital was renovated and extended in recent years to provide modern accommodation for its residents and the benefits of that are clear to be seen in the inspection report.
The report described the centre as offering bright, spacious accommodation with communal lounges, dining areas, activity rooms, private visiting spaces and a chapel. Residents are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms to create a homely atmosphere, while accessible gardens with seating, flowerbeds and vegetable planters promote wellbeing and provide opportunities for gardening.
Inspectors found the environment to be clean, bright, warm and well-maintained, with wide corridors, accessible bathrooms, clear walkways and prompt responses to call bells supporting residents' safety and independence.
Residents were observed reading, listening to music, socialising and taking part in organised activities, which are available seven days a week. Residents told inspectors they felt safe, valued and able to make choices about their daily routines. Family members also expressed satisfaction with the quality of care and communication with management.
The report found residents received a high standard of safe, person-centred care and spoke warmly about the support provided by staff. Inspectors noted that residents' rights, dignity, independence and personal choices were respected, with staff delivering care courteously and compassionately.
Comprehensive assessments were completed on admission, with individual care plans developed within 48 hours and reviewed regularly. Residents had timely access to medical, nursing, allied health and specialist palliative care services. Inspectors also highlighted the centre's strong safeguarding culture and commitment to maintaining a restraint-free environment.
Residents were supported to make choices about their daily lives, participated in a varied programme of activities and accessed advocacy services where required. Meals were also praised, with appropriate monitoring and support in place for residents at risk of malnutrition.
The inspection also found effective communication arrangements for transfers between healthcare services, while robust fire safety procedures, evacuation plans and staff training ensured residents' safety.
Overall, inspectors concluded that Carndonagh Community Hospital provides a welcoming environment where residents enjoy a good quality of life, supported by a responsive and compassionate team delivering safe, respectful and person-centred care.
The report, published this week, assessed the hospital across 16 areas covering quality and safety, capacity and capability, with the centre found to be fully compliant in every category.
In a statement, the HSE said: “HSE older persons services in Donegal will continue to work to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety arrangements are in place within Carndonagh Community Hospital to ensure high-quality services are provided to all residents.”