Significant improvements must be made to management systems at a Roscommon Nursing Home according to a new HIQA report.
An unannounced inspection by the Health and Information Authority on Plunkett Community Nursing Unit in Boyle took place in May.
The purpose-built facility has been operating since 1972 and currently can accommodate up to 38 residents who require long-term residential care.
[The centre was reported as going through a significant renovation at the time of inspection, resulting in the loss of use of the main day room.
While residents described the staff at the centre as kind, caring and respectful, several significant concerns were highlighted in the report.
Poor fire safety management, Inadequate risk identification and Inadequate infection prevention and control were some of the issues raised by inspectors.
During the inspection, a fire door was observed to be propped open with an oxygen tank leading into a room where more of the tanks were stored.
In the area of Infection control, equipment such as shower chairs and wheelchairs were not appropriately cleaned and decontaminated after previous use.
A review was also required into the proper use of PPE by staff.
Residents spoke of how they were engaged in activities most days but wished for a more varied programme of activities.
Plunkett Community Nursing Unit was found to be fully compliant in the healthcare of service users and the visiting procedure for family and friends.
The Boyle centre has fully engaged with HIQA and has enacted a programme of works to address the concerns of the inspectors, with a new programme of activities launched for residents as Covid restrictions eased across the summer.
