‘Significant action’ at Carndonagh residential facility following inspection concerns

“Significant action” has been taken to improve the quality of care at a Carndonagh residential facility where concerns had previously been raised, an inspection report has said.

The most recent inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) of Dunshenny House, which provides full-time residential care to adults with moderate to severe intellectual disability, found that leadership arrangements have been strengthened and governance and management systems improved. 

Hiqa said the actions at the HSE-run facility have had a positive impact on the stability of the service and the lived experience of its three residents.

The inspection, which was carried out in September last year, found that further work relating to the oversight of staff training and risk documentation was required to further improve the quality and safety of the service.

Concerns about the quality of care and support and the safety of the service had been found during a previous inspection and the facility had been subject to enhanced regulatory activity and monitoring as a result.

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The inspector found action has been taken to improve the governance and oversight of the service in line with the commitments made by the HSE following an inspection in May 2024.

There were improvements to the stability of the staff team and the resident’s lives, but further work was required to address some gaps in training provision and oversight of risk registers.

The facility was found to be compliant with six of seven regulations and substantially compliant with one -  governance and management.

The inspector found that the centre was well-resourced and staffing levels were improved, as were safeguarding arrangements. 

However, risk assessments in some cases were lower than the inspection found. 

While there was significant improvement in the oversight of staff training, the inspection found further work was required to ensure that all training modules for all staff were up to date. 

In response, management undertook to ensure all risk ratings are accurate and reflective of the centre, that the training matrix for the centre is monitored and reviewed and  relevant training was scheduled.