HIQA discover shortcomings in Ballincollig nursing home

THE country’s health watchdog has identified a number of shortcomings at a nursing home in Ballincollig.

Inspectors said they found two allegations of abuse at the centre had not been sent to the authority within the appropriate timeframe, and noted that the Health Service Executive policy on safeguarding vulnerable persons at risk of abuse had not been implemented. They also discovered staff at the facility had not been properly trained in abuse prevention and response.

The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an unannounced inspection of Rosenalee Care Centre, in Poulavone, on July 6 and 7. Its resulting report, published this week, noted a number of areas of non-compliance.

In response to the report, the centre said staff will this month be trained in abuse prevention and response, and also intends to update its abuse policy.

Separately, HIQA noted that while CCTV was in use in hallways, a dining area, and in the sitting room, the centre’s CCTV policy stated cameras should not be located in areas where residents and employees have “a reasonable expectation of privacy”.

After a review of this policy, however, the centre said it provides two areas without CCTV which residents can use for private and personal activities, and intends to continue use of CCTV in other areas for the safety of residents.

The purpose of HIQAs latest inspection was to focus on the care and quality of life for residents with dementia. On the day of the inspection, there were 34 residents in the centre and five vacant beds. The person in charge stated 15 residents had been diagnosed with dementia. Five others had cognitive impairment.

Despite noting a number of failings during the inspection, overall HIQA found staff were “committed to providing a high quality inclusive service for residents with dementia”.