The health watchdog has called for a number of improvements at a Longford adult respite service.
The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an unannounced inspection at two respite houses operated by St. Christopher's Services in August of this year.
The unannounced HIQA inspection took place over a two-day period in early August at two care homes which catered for a total of five people. The report found that residents received a person-centred service as well as good quality care and support.
Out of 13 areas inspected nine were found to be compliant or substantially compliant, these included Health care, Fire Precautions, Residents' rights and Staffing. However, the report noted governance arrangements did not ensure that there were clear lines of accountability or that there was a clear and robust governance structure.
While inspectors commended an incident auditing and recording system, it was found that one injury sustained by a resident had not been included on the quarterly notification, while one environmental restriction involving a locked gate which restricted residents' free access around their home, had also been omitted. The health watchdog also called for improvements in the area of positive behavioural support.
One resident's plan was overdue for review and it did not include a clear description of behaviours that may pose a risk and require the use of a restrictive practice, that was referenced in other documents. Since the inspection the respite service has made changes in the area of governance with a Senior Management Team member appointed as PPIM for the centre.
In a statement, the provider says the non-compliances noted in the report are technical and arose due to changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. St Christopher's has engaged with HIQA since the report and all necessary changes have been actioned.
St Christopher's notes that the report strongly indicates that the findings had no negative impact on the care provided to any Services Users.
