An Athlone nursing home was urged to improve its infection control procedures following a visit by heath inspectors earlier this year.
Hiqa noted that residents at the Retreat Nursing Home in Athlone enjoyed a good quality of life but some weaknesses in infection control and prevention were noted.
This unannounced inspection took place in May of this year when 35 residents were being cared for at the premises.
Overall, inspectors were assured that residents living in the centre enjoyed a good quality of life and no Covid outbreaks had occurred at the centre.
However, concerns were raised that weaknesses were identified in infection prevention and control governance, guidelines, training, oversight and monitoring systems.
Infrastructural barriers to effective hand hygiene and laundry management were also identified during the course of this inspection by Hiqa.
Responding to the report, management of the facility outlined a range of improvements which were planned, including infection prevention and control audits which were being tracked in order to monitor progress and action/improvements were to be recorded.
3 additional clinical hand basins were also being installed on the corridors to facilitate hand washing.
Areas pointed out for improvement had been noted and staff relevant to specific areas were aware of improvements required also.
