A recent HIQA inspection of St Joseph’s Care Centre in Longford has highlighted several areas of non-compliance at the Dublin Road facility.
The centre provides 24-hour nursing care for up to 68 male and female residents of all dependency levels, mainly to those over the age of 65.
The inspection was carried out at the start of the year while 61 residents were present at the centre.
While many areas at the centre were designated compliant or substantially compliant, and inspectors found that residents enjoyed a good quality of life, the facility recorded several non-compliances in the areas such as premises, fire safety and staff training.
In the course of the inspection, inspectors were not assured that fire safety arrangements in the centre were effective in supporting staff to effectively and safely evacuate residents in the case of an emergency.
Following the inspection, HIQA officials met with members of the HSE estates team in order to provide an immediate action plan to the providers.
While in general, infection control measures were found to be substantially compliant, the management of environmental concerns and infection risks needed significant improvements.
The facilities infrastructure was also highlighted as being not fit to meet residents needs in some of the centre's units over privacy, dignity and infection concerns.
Mandatory staff training and development at the Longford Centre was found to include significant gaps in areas such as infection prevention and control and safeguarding vulnerable adults.
The centre has fully engaged with HIQA over the report and is working to fully address all issues highlighted in the inspection.
