Happy residents and no non-compliance at Ballyshannon nursing unit - HIQA

An inspection at the Ballyshannon Community Nursing Unit found that it was compliant or substantially compliant in all areas of care and governance.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carried out the unannounced inspection at the facility on January 10. The report was published on April 27.

The HSE-run designated centre for older people is located at Carrickboy, Ballyshannon. There were 26 residents present on the date of the inspection.

According to the report: “Residents told the inspector that staff provided care to them with kindness and compassion. 

“Overall, the inspector found that good care was provided to the residents in the centre, and this was validated by feedback from the residents who were positive about the services provided to them.”

Among the positive feedback of residents were warm and comfortable rooms, company of other residents, quality food and choice at mealtimes, and staff ensuring that they were not lonely.

The inspector observed that residents had opportunities to participate in meaningful, coordinated social or one-to-one activities that supported their interests and capabilities. 

It was noted that the centre had a spacious carpark which was clearly separated from an outdoor seating area, thus reducing risks to residents. 

Improvements noted from previous inspections included dedicated equipment storage rooms, improved personal storage space, obstacle-free corridors and handrails in some areas.

However, handrails were not installed in a section of the corridor in the North wing, which prevented residents from moving around this area independently. 

One area of concern related to the adjacent derelict workhouse building. While some sections had been fenced off, parts were still accessible. It was also noted that two fire exit doors opened into the fenced area of the workhouse building. 

The inspector reported: “Staff had to use the fire exit door near a quiet room and go through the fenced area to reach the fire assembly point in the event of a fire emergency evacuation. This arrangement posed an injury risk to residents and staff from the falling slates of the adjacent derelict workhouse building. 

Regarding the day-to-day running of the facility, accident reports, action plans, infection control and other audits were in order. 

The facility was found to be compliant under the headings of Persons in Charge, Staffing, Records, Written Policies and Procedures, Information For Residents, Healthcare, Managing Behaviour That is Challenging, Protection, and Residents’ Rights.

It was deemed substantially compliant in Training and Staff Development, Governance and Management, Complaints Procedures, Premises, Infection Control, Fire Precautions, Individual Assessment and Care Plan.