HIQA Report Criticises Premises of Kilrush District Hospital

A HIQA report has found that a wheelchair-bound resident in a Kilrush nursing home had to be removed from a room – so a fellow patient could receive a visitor.

The inspection at the volunteer-run Kilrush District Hospital found one instance of major non-compliance, relating to the building itself.

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On the date of the inspection last July and August, there were 35 residents at the nursing home, with nine vacant beds.

While elements of care were found to meet expected standards, the report is highly critical of the premises on the Cooraclare Road.

In one room, St. Flannan’s, the inspector noted that two of the three beds were so close together that a resident in a wheelchair was moved to a day room, so that the patient in the other bed could receive a visitor.

It was also noted that the patients’ dignity was compromised by clear glass panels on the door into the room.

In St Joseph’s ward for male patients, it was found that of the three windows in the room, two had signs saying they should not be opened.

The window that was allowed to be opened overlooked the smoking area, meaning cigarette smoke could drift inside if it was left open.

The report, which also finds the home to be moderately non-compliant with eight other standards, notes that the provider had told the inspector at previous inspections that they intended to renovate the original building to ensure full compliance, but that it had previously been indicated that this process would be finished last year.

In response, management said an architect is being sought for a re-design of the St. Joseph’s Ward, expected to be completed in six-seven months, while St Flannan’s room has been reduced to a double room so that patients have the appropriate space.