Evidence Of ‘Continued Non Compliance’ In Number Of Areas After Cahercalla HIQA Inspection

Health inspectors say they’ve found evidence of ‘continued non-compliance’ in a number of areas at Cahercalla Community Hospital.

The issues were flagged following a HIQA inspection at the facility, and it’s understood management have taken action in line with the report’s recommendations.

 

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Inspectors from HIQA visited Cahercalla in September 2020, which the facility was given what the report describes as ‘short notice’ about prior to it happening.

The nursing home was assessed in twelve different areas of capacity and capability, as well as quality and safety – it was described as ‘not compliant’ in nine of these areas.

These included staffing, governance and management, health care and residents’ rights – though the facility was at the time of the inspection deemed to be compliant with visiting and infection control regulations.

There is praise for Cahercalla in the report, much of which is documented by its own residents, who told inspectors of feeling ‘very comfortable’ in the centre, with one resident praising the staff’s kindness.

However, inspectors did note at the time that residents were observed to spend long periods of time in bed and unsupervised in the day rooms of the facility.

The report states that, as of September when the inspection took place, Cahercalla had remained ‘COVID-free’.

In response to concerns raised, the nursing home committed to implementing ‘a stronger management structure’ and it agreed to outsource clinical and managerial oversight at the facility last month.

Cahercalla told inspectors it was aiming to into an agreement with a private occupational therapist to assist residents who are experiencing long waiting times for a public appointment, while committing to taking a ‘balanced approach’ to manage risk and promote independence.

The full report can be viewed here