Health inspectors say there’s been a ‘failure’ at an Ennis nursing home to ensure an effective system is in place to protect residents from abuse.
The findings have been documented this week following an inspection at Cahercalla Community Hospital earlier this year.
The unannounced inspection took place on the 19th of October last, when 108 residents were present on the premises.
Inspectors noted that overall ‘feedback was positive’ among residents, with people living in the home appearing ‘relaxed and comfortable’ in their environment.
However, HIQA say a the response to a follow up on an allegation of abuse in the home ‘did not give sufficient assurances’ that relevant procedures were being fully followed.
Health inspectors noted that ‘the management systems’ throughout Cahercalla ‘failed to ensure that the service provided was safe, consistent and effectively monitored.’
HIQA also claims the facility failed to ensure it had a clear management structure, and that the provision of care was ‘not of a consistently high quality’.
Cahercalla was deemed not compliant in seven of the eight areas it was assessed in, while being deemed ‘substantially compliant’ under the regulation of infection control.
The nursing home has outlined a number of steps it has taken to address the issues raised in the report, including a review of all mandatory staff training, a review of activities within the centre, and an assurance that the designated ‘Person In Charge’ ‘will ensure that any suspicion, concern, or allegation of abuse will be thoroughly investigated’.
You can read the full report here
Statement from Cahercalla Community Care
Cahercalla Community Care acknowledges and has accepted the HIQA report following the recent inspection.
Cahercalla continues to strive for the highest possible standards of care for our Residents.
Cahercalla has already completed a comprehensive action plan addressing the issues identified by HIQA on the day of the inspection. The issues raised do not pose a risk to the safety, health and welfare of our Residents.
Cahercalla Community Care is committed to providing excellence in care to its Residents. We continue to enhance, improve and expand our services in Cahercalla to ensure Residents are cared for to the highest possible standards.
