HIQA critical of Ramelton Community Hospital’s premises layout

Ramelton Community Hospital has been deemed ‘not compliant’ on matters to do with its premises and personal possessions, according to a report released by the Health Information and Quality Authority.  

The HIQA report, released on June 23, ruled that Ramelton Community Hospital’s governance and management, and residents’ rights were substantially compliant and compliant, respectively, but needed improvements in other areas of inspection. 

An unannounced inspection had been carried out on the 28-resident facility in October 2024. The report stated that residents said they were able to “enjoy remaining close to family and friends in Ramelton” and gave a “very positive feedback regarding the staff and the care and services provided to them.”

The inspection carried out by HIQA said the report, “validated the residents’ feedback.”

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However, concerns from the HIQA included that the layout of 14 single-occupancy rooms was not suitable for meeting the residents’ needs as part of Regulation 17, regarding the Quality and Safety of the premises. 

The inspectors judged that, due to the layout of the single-occupancy rooms, they were not suitable for patients who were at high risk of falls, and that, additionally, if a fall were to occur, the inspectors said they were “not assured that the staff could respond effectively and operate a full-body hoist to lift a resident from the floor safely, particularly in line with the provider’s own procedures.”

Regarding Regulation 12 of Personal Possessions, the report states that there was not enough space in the single occupancy rooms for a bed cabinet by the side, and as a result, the bedside cabinets were found placed at the foot end of the bed in these bedrooms.

This arrangement, said the inspectors’ report, “hindered residents’ ability to easily reach for their personal belongings when resting in bed.”

Moreover, two residents “had a number of bags and small cases on the floor or on their bedside cabinets in which they were storing their belongings because there was not enough room in the wardrobes in their bedroom.”

A response from Ramelton Community Hospital gave inspectors confidence that Regulation 12 regarding Personal Possessions would result in compliance with regulations, but not with Regulation 17.

The HSE, said Ramelton Community Hospital’s response, would issue a brief for a Design Team based on the principles used in other designated centres in Donegal, whereby two single rooms would be combined into one single room with an ensuite facility. Furthermore, it stated that approval had been obtained for tracking hoists for several single rooms, which would be installed on a phased basis. 

Ramelton Community Hospital also said that a review of bedroom furniture had taken place in consultation with the residents, ensuring that, as “reasonably practical, residents have access and control over their personal possessions,” as well as providing residents with a new locker to have access and control of their personal possessions.