Hospital patients waiting weeks for a shower 'unacceptable', says Minister

The Minister with responsibility for older people Kathleen Lynch has said that it is intolerable that some patients at a community hospital in Co Leitrim had to wait over a month for a shower, due to staff shortages.

Her comments come after a HIQA report found serious breaches at St Patrick’s Community Hospital in Carrick-On-Shannon.

The Minister said the situation is unacceptable, and she expects that an action plan will be put in place and acted on without delay.

"The role that regulators play in identifying issues in our social care services is vital," she said.

"In this instance, Hiqa has highlighted unacceptable practices in St Patrick’s Community Hospital. The HSE has accepted these findings and is taking immediate steps to address them.

"It is intolerable that a basic thing like access to showers is not facilitated and this needs to be addressed immediately in St Patrick’s with every resident through their care plan.

"It is my expectation that an action plan is put in place and acted on without delay.

"Families throughout the country who have relatives in care need to be assured that their loved ones are getting the care they deserve and need.

"Hiqa plays a valuable role in giving them those assurances and the HSE has a vital role in delivering that care.

"Together, working as partners, I am confident we can continue to improve and enhance the care we deliver for older people."

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) pointed out that its members staged a lunchtime protest at the hospital on June 23 to highlight their concerns about safe patient care arising from what it claims are inadequate staffing levels at the hospital.

"The INMO has attempted to get management to address concerns over the past year in order to develop workable solutions to ensure the provision of safe quality care to service users," a statement from the group read.

"Nurses at St. Patrick’s have previously raised their concerns about staffing with HIQA inspectors, and welcome Hiqa’s direct comments in this regard.

"The INMO welcomes the fact that Hiqa has highlighted staffing levels as a cause of concern and sincerely hope that the HSE will take immediate action to recruit staff."

Age Action expressed its concern that the HSE may not be able to resolve problems at the hospital.

The HSE says it is recruiting for more staff, but admitted that the hospital is a very old building which might not meet modern standards.

Justin Moran of Age Action welcomed the announcement that improvements are being made, but said he does not have full confidence in the HSE.