HIQA flags fire risks at Ramelton Community Hospital

Serious fire safety failures were highlighted at Ramelton Community Hospital following a HIQA inspection.

The failures, including blocked escape routes, missing fire equipment, and combustible materials stored beside an oil tank were discovered when inspectors visited the HSE-run facility on July 15, 2025.

There were 25 residents in the facility on the day of then inspection and the HSE says that corrective procedures are underway.

A HIQA report said the provider “had completed a significant amount of fire safety work to the centre in

2023 and was working towards bringing the centre into compliance”, but there remained non-compliance in several areas. 

The inspectors found issues across governance, fire precautions and premises standards. 

The report outlined gaps in oversight, unsafe storage practices and inadequate evacuation planning which, HIQA warned, posed risks to residents, staff and visitors.

While residents spoke positively about the care they receive and inspectors observed respectful, person-centred interactions throughout the centre, the inspection quickly highlighted significant fire safety concerns requiring immediate action.

One of the most serious findings was the discovery of flammable and combustible materials stored inside an external oil-tank room, directly breaching the centre’s own fire policy. HIQA said these items were removed only when the issue was pointed out during the inspection.

Elsewhere, a protected escape staircase had been used to store a bicycle, wheelchairs and walking aids, creating a potential obstruction during an emergency evacuation. A corridor on the upper floor had also become a de-facto storage area for boxes and equipment.

HIQA found that in-house fire audits failed to identify these hazards, raising questions about oversight and safety culture within the centre.

Inspectors also raised concern about the external smoking area, where a full bucket of cigarette butts was found and where there was no fire blanket, extinguisher, metal ashtray or call bell, despite the requirements of the centre’s policy.

The report pointed to multiple issues with the building’s fire containment features and emergency escape systems, including: Fire doors missing smoke seals or fitted with non-fire-rated screws; doors failing to close properly; ceiling penetrations that could allow smoke to spread; emergency lighting faults; and a lack of fire doors and fire-stopping in staff and administration areas.

HIQA also highlighted inadequacies in the centre’s Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), noting that they did not record residents’ supervision needs following evacuation, particularly for those who are hard of hearing, visually impaired, on sleeping medication or require one-to-one supervision.

Although drills were being carried out, the centre had not completed a full-scale evacuation drill of its largest compartment during low staffing periods since 2023. When one was carried out after the inspection, it revealed “extended evacuation time,” indicating potential risk to residents.

HIQA also found that 14 single rooms remain unsuitable for residents requiring hoists or large wheelchairs due to lack of space, despite this being flagged repeatedly in previous inspections. Issues with maintenance, storage areas, water ingress and damaged walls and ceilings were also highlighted.

In a statement, the HSE confirmed that a range of corrective actions are now underway.

“In-house fire management systems have been reviewed and will be more robust in identifying fire risks going forward, to adequately support effective fire safety arrangements which will assure the safety of all residents,” they said.

The HSE said all fire doors have now been checked, emergency lighting is in working order, and the external smoking area has been fitted with a fire blanket, extinguisher and metal ashtray. 

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A new one-page PEEP template has been implemented for every resident.

The HSE added: “HSE Older Persons Services in the Donegal Integrated Healthcare Area will continue to work to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety arrangements are in place within Ramelton Community Hospital to ensure high-quality services are experienced ongoing by its residents.”