Several fire safety issue have been highlighted at a Longford care home following the release of a HIQA inspection Report.
While staff at St. Joseph's Care home in the town were praised in the report, issues including the premises, management and fire safety were noted as in need of attention.
The centre provides 24 hour nursing care for up to 65 residents of all dependency level including dementia care, cognitive impairment, acquired brain injury and palliative care.
St Joseph's Care centre is in the process of securing tenders for a major extension and refurbishment announced last year, with significant fire safety works completed since the inspection.
HIQA inspectors attended the centre in February as part of an announced inspection, with residents noted to be happy with the care and services they were receiving.
Staff were observed to chat pleasantly with residents and displayed strong individual knowledge of residents' preferences, interests and their life histories.
The centre recorded ten full compliance, one substantial compliance and four non-compliance.
The non-compliance include concerns over Governance and management in relation to ensuring required fire safety works were completed.
Substantial fire safety works were required with the centre, with works ongoing this year planned to address these.
While the premises was found to have improved since the last inspection, several issues were highlighted with the Padre Pio unit.
Improvements were also need in the area of residents rights following concerns raised by inspectors.
Full statement from HSE:
The HSE welcomes the findings of the HIQA inspection of St Joseph’s Care Centre, undertaken on the 9th February 2022.
This report affirms our commitment to the continued provision of high quality person centred services to the people we serve. The Care Centre was inspected by HIQA as part of a short notice announced monitoring inspection. This inspection was carried out in response to the HSE’s application to vary their current conditions of registration following the extensive works that have been completed.
The centre was examined against 15 regulations. The unit was found to be fully compliant in 9 of the areas inspected and substantially complaint in 2 areas. Four areas were assessed as requiring work to fully meet the requirements of the regulations.
Findings of the inspection stated, feedback received from residents to the inspector was very positive regarding their experiences and their level of satisfaction with living in the centre. Residents' privacy and dignity was promoted by staff. Observation by the Inspectors noted that staff had a good knowledge of residents' preferences and their choices were facilitated.
Residents nursing and health care needs were met to a good standard and they were assured of timely access to medical, health and social care professionals as necessary. The centre was comfortable and warm.
A condition had been placed on the centre's registration last year which required the HSE to carry out fire safety upgrade works. At the time of this inspection the inspectors noted these works were completed and had been signed off by a competent fire consultant in all areas with the exception of one unit as this unit was planned for closure to facilitate the progression of phase one of the strategic plan for a new building on the campus. All occupied units in St Joseph’s Care Centre meet the necessary fire safety requirements.
A compliance plan to implement the findings from this year’s inspection has been agreed with HIQA and work is currently underway which will further enhance the service provided for residents and staff.
