HIQA publishes reports into two Donegal nursing homes

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 2 inspection reports on residential centres for older people in Donegal and has found that improvements are required in a number of areas. 

The two centres inspected are Aras Mhic Suibhne in Laghey and Hillcrest Nursing Home in Letterkenny. 

Where non-compliance with the regulations was identified, providers were required to submit compliance plans to demonstrate how they will make improvements and come into compliance with the regulations.

Hillcrest House Nursing Home is a designated centre registered to provide 24-hour health and social care to 31 male and female residents. It provides long term, respite and end of life care including care to people with dementia.

Overall, inspectors found that residents' needs were being met by staff who knew them well. Residents appeared content and they told the inspectors that they were very happy living in Hillcrest House Nursing Home.

Inspectors found the centre warm and comfortable. The report reads: “Open fires were burning from early morning in fireplaces in two of the sitting rooms. Residents told the inspectors that they 'love the open fire' and 'love the warmth'. One resident said they liked looking at the fire and it 'reminded them of home'. Inspectors observed several residents' visitors calling to see residents and staff were observed encouraging and supporting residents to make choices about how they spent their day.

However, the report did find that the person in charge was regularly the only nurse on duty to provide direct care to residents. Improvements were required in a number of areas which included governance and management, notification of incidents, infection control and individual assessment and care plan.

Full report here. 

Aras Mhic Suibhne, is a designated centre that provides care and support to meet the needs of both male and female older persons. Inspectors found the feedback from residents to be positive about the care they received in the centre, however, they also found the nursing care in the centre required improvements. In addition, inspectors reported the governance and management in the centre did not support safe and effective oversight of the care and service provided to the residents in the centre. 

Some of the residents who spoke with the inspectors commented that the centre was a great place to live, the food provided in the centre was of good quality, and they liked the music sessions held in the centre.

Non-compliance was noted in the following areas: staffing, governance and management, premises, infection control, fire precautions, individual assessment and care plan, health care and the management of behaviour that is challenging.

Full report here.