Clare’s largest nursing home has been commended for implementing a number of improvements following an inspection last year which found widespread non-compliance.
The Health Information and Quality Authority says the findings of its latest inspection of Cahercalla Community Hospital “reflected a commitment from the provider to ongoing quality improvement that would enhance the daily lives of residents”.
HIQA conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility on Cahercalla Road, Ennis, on January 16th of this year, at which time 108 residents were on-site.
Inspectors found that residents had a “high level of praise” for staff who they said were “polite and caring” while claiming the “care is excellent”.
Cahercalla was found to be fully compliant in all areas in which it was assessed bar three where it was found to be just substantially compliant.
The management systems monitoring care were found not to be fully effective and the inspection report identifies “poor oversight of clinical assessment to ensure accurate and consistent recording of residents’ weights to identify unintentional weight loss”.
Fire safety was also found to be of concern as a number of fire doors were impaired while residents’ assessment and care plans were also found to be inadequate.
The provider Cahercalla Community Care has submitted a full compliance plan stating that all issues were rectified by April 30th.
A previous inspection in March 2024 found the facility not to be compliant in six areas including residents’ rights and infection control.
