An Ennis mental health facility has been commended for a “significant improvement” observed in its service provision.
Cappahard Lodge in Ennis has received its highest ever score in an Annual Inspection Report which the body claims is the result of “strengthening of governance processes and considerable investment”.
The facility is located on the outskirts of the county town and provides mental health rehabilitation, psychiatry of later life and long stay or continuing mental health care.
The most recent inspection took place from the 24th to the 27th of September 2024 when 13 residents were present.
The subsequent Annual Inspection Report gives the facility an overall compliance rating of 93% which it states is a “significant improvement” on it 2023 rating of 72%.
This, it says, is largely due to “significant refurbishment and improvement in maintenance of the premises”, which it’s stated is now “fully compliant with regulatory standards”.
Notwithstanding the positive findings, Cappahard Lodge was found not to be compliant in the areas of ‘maintenance of records’ and ‘code of practice for physical restraint’.
According to the report, records weren’t written in a manner that “ensured completeness and accuracy” as they were written over, thus obscuring the original entry.
Other issues included the absence of records indicating whether the consultant psychiatrist was notified as soon as was practicable in two episodes of physical restraint and a failure to inform the person being restrained why it was happening and what would lead to the discontinuation of the practice.
The service provider has submitted a full Corrective and Preventative Action Plan which states that all corrective steps will be implemented by the 8th of July.
