A Clare disabilities centre has failed to demonstrate to inspectors that all residents could be evacuated “in a timely manner” in the event of a fire.
Following an inspection, the Health Information and Quality Authority has instructed Castlelodge, which it’s understood is located in a residential area on the outskirts of a town in Clare, to address deficiencies in its fire precautions procedure.
HIQA conducted a short-notice announced inspection of Castlelodge, which is run by the Brothers of Charity and provides a respite service to 19 residents on a planned and rotational basis, on June 25th of this year.
On the day of the inspection, when two residents were present, inspectors found the design and layout of the bungalow to be suited to residents’ broad range of needs and noted that residents were “evidently quite happy to be attending for respite”.
Non-compliance was observed in the area of fire precautions as inspectors found there are “confusion” in relation to one resident’s evacuation plan”.
Additionally, the report states a review is needed of the “safe operation of domestic appliances” as the tumble dryer was turned on and the fire resistant door to the utility room was left open when staff and inspectors were leaving the facility.
The centre was found to be just “substantially compliant” when it came to governance and management, premises and risk management procedures.
The provider has submitted a full compliance plan outlining the steps that have already been taken and those that will be implemented to address the issues identified.
