HSE nursing home criticised by inspectors
on 03/11/2009 00:00:00
Dalkey Community Unit for Older Persons, in Dalkey village, Co Dublin, was advised by inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) that "significant improvements" were required in order to meet regulations governing care of the elderly in care homes.On a positive note, inspectors praised the home for its "genuine commitment to ensuring that residents had a good quality of life". In this regard, HIQA said, the home, which can cater for 50 residents, looked after the personal care and health care needs of residents well; residents were happy with recreational facilities; they felt safe; there was a high level of cleanliness and the gardens were bright and accessible.
Mealtimes were described as "inviting" with tables attractively laid and a catering manager aware of residents' likes and dislikes, but while most residents were happy with the lunch menu, they were not happy with the choice of food for the evening meal. On the evening of the inspection, there was a choice of corned beef salad, fried eggs, cheese and tomato, soup and a bread platter, but relatives of residents claimed the evening meal "usually consisted of fish fingers and canned spaghetti".
One resident who did not eat the meal, described teatime in terms of "Oh Lord, tea, bread and jam again".
Inspectors were also critical of the dining area, known as the library, which they said was used as "an ad-hoc dining room".
"This space was negatively referred to as the "feeding area" by some members of staff. It was not an adequate, private dining space. It was noted that during a planned activity, a staff member walked through this area carrying a bag of waste. The inspectors "saw some residents being brought to their meals in shower chairs," HIQA said.
Inspectors also expressed concerns that residents with cognitive impairments were not involved in activities on the day of the inspection and were sitting for long periods in chairs or looking out the window.
Some relatives voiced their concern about the extensive use of agency staff, some of whom were unaware of fire evacuation procedures. In addition, the contract with the agency did not include a requirement for the agency staff to be Garda vetted.
Responding to the criticisms, the service provider said agencies who supplied staff have now been instructed to provide the required information.
The statement also said all patients have access to a call bell; choices for evening meals have been discussed with residents and are changed regularly and that a relaxation group led by the occupational therapist is available practically targeting dependant patients and those suffering from cognitive impairment.