HIQA judges Killybegs Community Hospital in positive inspection report

An inspection report conducted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has found Killybegs Community Hospital compliant or substantially compliant across the assessed categories.

The unannounced inspection, carried out on October 2, 2025, found Killybegs Community Hospital to be compliant in Staffing, Training and Staff Development, Premises, and Risk Management, and then substantially compliant in Governance and Management, Communication Difficulties, Individual Assessment and Care Plan, Protection, and Residents’ Rights.

Killybegs Community Hospital opened in 2001, and is registered for 33 beds, however, it was reported: “The provider has indicated that it currently lacks the necessary staffing levels to operate all 33 registered beds safely. As a result, the centre is currently operating only 20 beds. 

“The provider had confirmed that they were actively engaged in recruitment efforts to fill the vacant positions, and until these positions are successfully filled, the centre would continue to operate with a capacity of 20 beds.”

Currently, Killybegs Community Hospital provides long-stay accommodation for 13 residents, and there are five respite, four convalescent, four rehabilitation, six assessment and two palliative care beds available to people from the catchment area of South West Donegal.

The report stated: “The centre was found to be well-maintained and was clean. Residents were observed navigating independently throughout the corridors. The inspector observed that the centre had implemented an effective system for storing equipment, ensuring that corridors were free from obstructions. 

“Additionally, some residents frequently engaged in meaningful interactions with staff and other residents as they transitioned between communal areas and their personal rooms.

“Residents had access to communal rooms located near the nurses' station and one at the end of the first-floor building, both of which offered stunning views of Killybegs Harbour.”

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Regarding staff, the report said: “Staff were found attending to the care needs of residents, and care was provided in a relaxed manner. 

“Furthermore, interactions between staff and residents often included friendly banter, contributing to a positive care environment. 

“Residents' requests for assistance were responded to promptly, and staff demonstrated a thorough understanding of their moving and handling requirements.”

Despite the many positives, the inspection also detailed areas of improvement for Killybegs Community Hospital, such as the “oversight of residents’ admissions and care planning” and “safeguarding incidents.”

For example, “a comprehensive and immediate risk assessment had not been carried out following a safeguarding incident to ensure that the residents involved were provided with timely medical assistance or specialist psychology services following a safeguarding incident, which resulted in psychological distress.”

Killybegs Community Hospital’s response in the compliance plan said: “Risk assessments will be completed for any resident involved in a safeguarding incident.

“Staff will liaise with the Safeguarding Team as necessary. Staff have been informed at the staff meeting of the importance of completing risk assessments for both parties when a safeguarding incident involves two residents. All incidents are discussed for shared learning at management meetings across the Service”