Compliance levels at a midlands mental health facility have dropped significantly.
A new inspection report from the Mental Health Commission has found a number of outstanding issues at St Loman's Hospital in Westmeath.
The Mullingar facility comprises of 41 beds in two wards, the Admissions Unit and St Edna's Ward.
Compliance levels at the hospital in Mullingar fell from 86 percent in 2021 to 75 percent in 2022.
The Admissions Unit provides acute treatment for male and female residents, while St Edna's provides continuing care for male residents with enduring mental health issues.
At the time of inspection, there were 28 residents on site, 16 of whom were there in the medium to long term.
The facility received nine non compliance's including four high risk, four moderate risks and a single low risk breach.
One area identified was the use of seclusion on patients with one example highlighting that the practice was not used in rare and exceptional circumstances, and it was not in the best interests of the resident in question.
In response to this issue, the Mental Health Commission requested a restrictive practice audit monthly.
Other problems highlighted included the regulation of resident's medication and record keeping on medical notes.
Commission inspectors also noted that therapeutic activities, facilities and processes were mostly all appropriate to the needs of the residents
Residents themselves praised staff for their efforts during the Covid pandemic and the general care they administered.
