An inspection of an East Clare nursing home has found that inadequate infection control practices are resulting in a risk of cross contamination.
The Health Information and Quality Authority has identified the Lakes Nursing Home in Killaloe as ‘not compliant’ in two areas and just substantially compliant in a further one following an unannounced inspection.
HIQA visited the facility located on Hill Road in Killaloe on April 24th of this year.
A total of 56 residents were present on the day, and the inspection report notes that many spoke of “how well staff cared for them”, while two commented on “occasional delays in call bell responses”.
The facility was found not to be compliant when it came to the upkeep of the premises, with inspectors describing floor coverings in bedrooms as “worn and discoloured”.
Inadequate ventilation was observed in several rooms while décor showed signs of wear and tear, and cobwebs were visible in high and low areas.
Infection control was identified as another area of concern due to several issues such as housekeeping trolleys being prepared in sluice rooms which posed the risk of cross contamination.
Elsewhere in the report, inspectors state “infection prevention and control governance arrangements did not fully ensure the sustainable delivery of safe and effective infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship”.
The provider, Elder Nursing Homes Limited, has submitted a full compliance plan outlining how all problems will be addressed going forward.
