Health watchdog finds bruising on HSE care home residents
Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) made an unannounced visit last December to community houses that are part of St Peter’s in Castlepollard.
A total of 36 breaches were found following an inspection of two of the centre’s community houses where nine women with intellectual disabilities reside.
They noted one resident had experienced four incidences of unexplained bruising and had not been seen by a medical professional.
The inspectors reported the dignity of residents was compromised because of a failure to deal with some residents who engaged in socially inappropriate behaviour.
One care plan stated a resident was to be taken outdoors when displaying challenging behaviours.
Another resident regularly engaged in socially inappropriate behaviour that not only compromised their own dignity but exposed other residents to it.
The inspectors found the residents’ nutritional needs were not being met or that the food provided was not wholesome and nutritious, as required.
The inspection which took place over two days found that the governance and management systems were weak.
It was the centre’s first inspection by the authority. Two other community houses had also been inspected a month earlier.
Because of the seriousness of the failings identified, the HSE was told to cease admissions and transfer residents that the centre was unable to care for.
It found that one of the houses that had four residents was not fit for its stated purpose.
The inspector who examined the second house found that commodes were used by residents because the toilets that consisted of three cubicles were narrow and they were afraid to use them.
Residents also used the commodes because the distance to the bathroom for some residents was too far.
The inspector said plans to admit two additional residents into the house could not occur because of insufficient communal space and storage and due to the poor condition of the building.
There was a decking area at the back of the house that was found to be wet and slippery on the day of the inspection because of the weather. The area was a designated fire exit.
Inspectors found numerous deficits in both houses – one fire exit had steps. No fire drills had been conducted in the two houses and staff spoken to by the inspectors were unsure as to what to do in the event of a fire.
The HSE admitted the Hiqa findings were unacceptable and that immediate action would address the deficits highlighted in its report. In particular, it said an investigation had been conducted into the incidents of unexplained bruising and action had been taken.
A clinical psychologist had visited the house to assess the needs of residents with anti-social behaviours.
The HSE said the governance structure of the houses had been strengthened and a working group established to address the issues raised by the inspectors.
The HSE said ongoing monitoring and supervision would provide assurances that “vulnerable individuals” received the highest level of safe and respectful care.
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