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HIQA Tells Clare Disabilities Centre To Put “Extensive Investment” Into Premises Maintenance

HIQA has recommended that a Clare disabilities centre puts “extensive investment” into maintaining its premises after deeming the facility to be in a poor state of repair.

The latest announced inspection of Brookside Lodge has found it to be non-compliant in two of the areas assessed after previously finding the centre to be compliant in these areas.

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Health Information and Quality Authority inspectors visited Brookside Lodge, which provides support and care to two residents with high support needs and associated risks, on September 3rd 2024.

The facility is managed by the Rehab Group and has a minimum of three to four staff on duty at all times with one staff member on waking duty at nighttime supported by two staff members on sleepover duty.

The inspection has found that the provider has the required arrangements in place to ensure residents are safe, well and enjoy a good quality of life.

Despite this, the health watchdog has recommended further review of the nighttime staffing arrangements as well as the implementation of a “definitive programme of maintenance and refurbishment of the property”.

Inspectors observed that one resident has an inconsistent sleep pattern and frequently wakes staff members on sleepover duty.

As a result, a staff member could be working during the day and be rostered for a nighttime shift with the expectation of sleep, only to be awake for the duration of the shift.

A number of problems were identified regarding the maintenance of the premises, with HIQA noting an “unpleasant odour” emanating from a resident’s bathroom and spreading into the adjoining bedroom.

Additionally, the laundry space in the centre has been deemed too compact to create the space needed to safely segregate clean and soiled laundry.

The Rehab Group has submitted a full compliance plan to HIQA outlining the steps it intends to take the resolve the issues, with all measures to be in effect by March 31st of this year.

The full report can be viewed here: https://www.hiqa.ie/system/files?file=inspectionreports/5480-brookside-lodge-03-september-2024.pdf

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