HIQA: Home has no auditing system for significant incidents

INDEPENDENT health inspectors have found the operators of a nursing home have come up short in addressing a number of shortcomings in the service.

In a report on Kilrush District Hospital in Co Clare, Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspectors discovered auditing systems had not been put in place for significant incidents and there was no policy for the management of residents’ money and valuables.

It emerged €2 million was invested in the facility since the community took over the running of the facility 23 years ago.

In response to HIQA concerns expressed last year, the hospital reduced the numbers it cared for from 55 to 45 with the service predominantly providing long-term care to residents over 65, some of whom have dementia-related conditions.

The report noted a number of areas that required improvement had been addressed.

These include management of risk infection to patients: determining the appropriate number of staff and putting in place a person in charge who is competent in managing allegations of abuse.

However, the inspectors found that “some aspects of the use of restraint were not well managed”.

In response, the hospital said “all restraints used within Kilrush District Hospital shall be identified and shall undergo assessment to identify the required duration the restraint is required to remain in place”.

The hospital has also agreed to carry out a staff audit to identify information outstanding.

The report states: “All actions shall be completed by November 14 and a re-audit shall be undertaken to confirm completion of each person’s file.”

According to the hospital, it welcomed the visit of the authority’s inspectors in order to demonstrate the significant improvements made.

It added: “These improvements, in the provision of resident care, have been guided by the standards and the direction from the inspectors which has been of great assistance.”