Health inspectors raised serious concerns over fire safety and infection control procedures at a Roscommon nursing home following an inspection last year.
Hiqa staff identified five non-compliances at the Fearna Manor nursing home in Castlerea among 17 regulations inspected.
This inspection took place in August of last year when 44 residents were on the premises. Inspectors found that the overall governance and management of the centre was good but some areas of improvements were required.
The health body claimed that urgent action was required to address fire safety and infection control issues after inspectors found no fire detection equipment in the laundry room, hairdressers or cleaning store and it was also discovered that a fire exit route was obstructed by a concrete pillar and a locked gate.
Gaps in the documentation of fire safety service record were also noted.
Inspectors also reviewed complaints' records and while many had been logged and investigated properly, there was also a number of complaints which had not been logged or responded to in line with requirements.
The centre was found to be non-compliant in relation to its directory of residents and notification of incidents, where inspectors claimed that the Chief Inspector had not been notified of two reports of alleged abuse, and a serious incident to a resident.
Inspectors did note that the centre remained Covid-free and was described as clean, warm and comfortable and that the care provided to residents was of a high standard.
A compliance plan was outlined by the provider where they addressed the issues within the report by updating documentation and records as well as well reducing the size of their isolation unit and the installation of additional fire detectors.
