Care home rapped over use of restraints

HEALTH inspectors criticised a north Cork nursing home for using restraints on a number of residents for extended periods.

In a report that was otherwise largely positive, Bridhaven Nursing Home in Spa Glen, Mallow, was criticised by inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for using lap belts that residents were unable to open and for which there was no evidence of consent for use.

Inspectors said a staff member informed them restraints were removed every four hours, double the time recommended as best practice. Inspectors also criticised the standard use of “bibs” at meal times for the protection of clothing, saying the practice “may have impinged on the dignity, independence and autonomy of some of the residents”.