A HIQA report has found a south-east Clare nursing home was storing flammable liquids beside an external generator.
Following an unannounced inspection, the health authority has recommended a number of improvements be made at the facility to ensure residents’ safety from the risk of fire.
The Health Inspection and Quality Authority conducted an unannounced inspection at Cratloe Nursing Home in Gallows Hill, Cratloe on September 15th 2023.
29 residents were present on the day of the inspection and the resulting report published this week describes staff as “attentive and respectful” while complimenting the “busy but pleasant” atmosphere.
The greatest number of risks was noted in the area of ‘fire precautions’ with one “immediate risk” observed being the storing of liquids in plastic containers beside an external generator.
Other fire risks included a chair in one area and a health hazard bin in another obstructing fire doors which would allow fire and smoke to spread easily as well as the absence of an ashtray in the smoking area where cigarette butts were found discarded in a potted plant.
The condition of the premises was also found to be an issue due to “flaking” paint in a resident’s room, several chairs being stored in a resident’s en-suite and a hand wash basin in a laundry room not being connected to plumbing.
For this reason, Cratloe Nursing Home was found not to be compliant in the areas of ‘fire precautions’ and ‘premises’ while the facility was found to be substantially compliant in the area of governance and management due to the absence of documented procedure largely relating to fire precautions.
Since the inspection, the provider has stated that several improvements have been made including the removal of flammable liquids to a locked storage room and the connection of the laundry room hand basin to plumbing.
