Visitors to a Cavan based nursing home were complimentary of the staff and the care their residents received.
A HIQA inspection at Virginia Community Health Centre was carried out in May of this year. The designated centre provides 24 hour nursing care to 56 residents, both male and female who require long-term and short-term care. The philosophy of care is to provide a caring environment that promotes health, independence, dignity and choice. When speaking with residents on the day of inspection, residents said that they never waited long for assistance when they required it. Staff were observed assisting and interacting with residents in a friendly, caring and respectful manner. Although there were a high number of residents living with a diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment those residents who could not communicate their needs appeared to be relaxed and enjoyed being in the company of staff. Residents were supported to personalise their bedrooms, with items such as photographs and artwork to help them feel comfortable and at ease in the home. Of the 12 areas inspected, 7 areas were compliant or substantially compliant, whilst 5 were non-compliant. In the area of staffing, inspectors noted that a number of posts had been left vacant for an extended period of time, and gaps were identified in infection control and supervision of agency staff.
An absence of directional signage to external assembly points, inappropriate storage in electrical rooms, poor external emergency lighting and inappropriate wedging open of fire doors were all noted in the report.
In its response, the HSE say the vacant posts have now been filled, whilst additional signage and new emergency lighting now have been installed.
The HSE also outlined further remdial actions in the following statement to Northern Sound:
A review of the Centre’s management team, the staffing and the staff rosters has been completed. This review has strengthened the governance arrangements within the designated centre. Management are ensuring that the skill mix and staffing are in line with residents needs and vacant posts within the centre are being replaced by agency while awaiting the approval/ recruitment of HSE staff A review of the Fire Safety Risks as identified through the HSEs Fire Safety Risk Assessment for the Designated Centre has been completed.
The HSE is currently developing a scope of works and a plan to address areas of concern. A detailed Maintenance Schedule has been drawn up and implemented in the Centre. All staff have completed the IPC Outbreak Prevention and Management Training. The Provider Representative and the Person in Charge will continue to provide oversight of Staff Training and development in the Centre by continuous monitoring and review of the Centre’s Training Matrix.
The Register Provider and Person in Charge have reviewed all residents’ bed spaces and a review of the dining area was also undertake to ensure each residents privacy and dignity is maintained. Additional televisions have been ordered for residents in twin bedrooms and this will be implemented by the 31st October 2024.
