A recent HIQA inspection found a local residential care unit to have a number of non-compliances. The unannounced inspection of St Patrick's Community Hospital in Carrick-on-Shannon took place on the 14th of June. The subsequent report was mostly positive. It found the 39-bed facility to compliant in nine regulations, substantially compliant in five, and non-compliant in four. Hiqa inspectors said overall feedback from residents at St Patrick's Community Hospital was positive. Residents told the inspectors they were happy and content in their environment and that staff were kind and always attentive to their needs. However, the subsequent report found four areas of concern. It said the oversight of fire safety was not robust and that weekly fire checks had not been completed. It also found that two external fire escapes were impeded by chairs.
The report also said the facility had failed to complete all of the fire safety improvement works identified in its own Fire Safety Risk Assessment which was completed in 2021. The design and layout of some areas did not meet the number and needs of residents. Inspectors also said the facility non-compliant when it came to residents' rights. They said some residents with higher levels of cognitive impairment did not appear to have equal access to social activities. In statement to Shannonside News, the HSE confirmed steps have been taken to address areas of non-compliance including a review of the weekly fire register and protocols, the completion of refurbishment works, and the addition of activities for residents with higher levels of cognitive impairment.
