Reports express nursing homes staffing concern

Inspection reports into a number of nursing homes and centres for people with disabilities have raised concerns over inadequate staffing levels.

Inspectors cited staffing issues at the Kilrush Nursing Home, Co Clare; a designated centre for people with disabilities operated by the Irish Society for Autism in Co Meath; a centre for people with disabilities operated by The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, Co Sligo, and also raised issues about nighttime staffing levels at Roselodge Nursing Home, Co Westmeath.

In the latter facility, the Health Information and Quality Authority reviewed 18 incidents of slips and falls over a five-month period. Ten of the incidents occurred between 8pm and 8am, and inspectors said “there was insufficient evidence of action taken to address higher incidence of resident falls at night”, and recommended a staffing review during the night period to ensure the safety needs of residents were met.