Health inspectors have found ongoing problems with facilities at St. Joseph's Hospital in Ennis.
The latest inspection of the hospital has noted improvements from previous visits, but the HSE is again being told of problems with the building itself.
This was the seventh time that St. Joseph's had been inspected by HIQA.
The health watchdog had previously raised concerns about the facility, while residents and their relatives have also flagged issues – in a survey that is outlined in this report, many were unhappy with the physical environment, meaningful engagement and staffing levels.
After the previous inspection called for immediate action on fire safety, this report outlines "signifcant improvement" that has taken place in this area, including an investment in lighting and equipment as well as training for staff.
However, defects with the building have again been highlighted – HIQA says St. Joseph's is "significantly non-compliant" with regulations and that patients' needs in terms of privacy, personal space and access to dining and communal space is not met.
There was also evidence that "entrenched staff routines" had dictated mealtimes and access to refreshments, while the 12-bed dementia-specific unit there is described as "bland, bleak and uninviting" though this is now being refurbished.
In response to the report, the HSE says a proposal has been prepared outlining the costs required to bring St. Joseph's up to standard, and that it's commited to the centre's long-term future.
