HIQA has found residents of a west Clare nursing home experienced ‘sustained weight loss’ over a three month period.
The health watchdog found St Theresa’s Nursing Home in Kilrush failed ‘to deliver food and nutrition to residents in line with regulatory requirements’ during an inspection of the facility.
The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an unannounced inspection of the centre on March 3rd of this year.
On this date there were 39 residents present at the facility, with residents reporting satisfaction with the level of care received, describing staff as ‘familiar, and consistent in the support they provided to them’, contributing to them feeling ‘safe and comfortable in the centre’.
Residents also commended the activities provided at the facility, stating they allowed them ‘them to remain engaged and socially active’.
During the walk-through of the centre, fire safety risks were observed, including fire doors being held open, inadequate fire management measures including fire-fighting equipment and a call bell, additionally, chairs were stacked and stored near fire exits.
The centre was also found not compliant in the area of Food and Nutrition, with inspectors noting residents who had been assessed as requiring diets tailored to managing their weight, were not receiving diets in line with these recommendations.
It was also stated that a significant amount of residents had lost weight in the centre over the past three months and that food provided to residents was not always wholesome or nutritious.
Operator Sundyp Limited submitted a plan to HIQA stating a review and update of all identified care plans would be carried out within 14 days along with a staff training and supervision programme within 6 weeks.
