45 failures in regulation by St Vincent’s - report
by Danielle Harney Updated: Wednesday, 3rd November, 2010 5:30pm
Care centre undertakes number of actions since inspections
A health and safety inspection of St Vincent’s Care Centre in Athlone highlighted significant concerns for the care and safety of residents, and reported that staff recruitment/vetting and training procedures were not of an acceptable standard.
The inspection was carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on January 28 and 29 of this year. HIQA found that the hospital was failing to comply with a total of 45 regulatory requirements and a number of actions to be taken were suggested. The majority of these were carried out between February and August of this year.
The main findings included an over-reliance on agency staff contracted to replace staffing vacancies created by a number of vacant posts but also high levels of sick leave by permanent staff; agency staff taking charge without supervision or on-call senior nursing staff support on night duty and risk management procedures not being adequate in a number of areas.
Other issues raised by HIQA included protection of residents, complaints management, staff training and supervision not being of an adequate standard to meet the safety needs of the residents.
The standard of hygiene was poor with visible black dust and soiled surfaces throughout. There was also no evidence of a preventative maintenance programme in place, according to HIQA and general repairs and painting are required throughout the centre.
The report stated that there was lack of leadership and clinical guidance. There was no management support or supervision for the two assistant directors of nursing who were acting as person in charge.
The report stated that the person in charge failed to notify the Chief Inspector of Social Services of a recent norovirus infection outbreak. Management was also unable to confirm if agency staff had been Garda Síochána vetted.
Whilst this was a designated centre for longterm care of older persons, there was also a minor injury service and storage and collection blood samples in an unlocked fridge in the residents’ accommodation, HIQA pointed out.
However, while the agency reported a number of failings at the care centre, it also noted a number of areas of good practice.
These included residents receiving a good standard of service, appropriate treatment and being treated with courtesy and respect. Residents’ healthcare needs are met, the report stated.
As public transport is limited, a daily taxi service contracted by the Health Service Executive travels to the Regional General Hospital in Mullingar. Residents are facilitated to attend their out patient appointments and referral appointments in Mullingar by availing of this service. Residents travel with other members of the community outside the centre.
HIQA was also pleased that all residents had a care plan. Samples of seven care records were reviewed. These reflected that residents’ care needs had been assessed on admission and reviewed periodically.
The report stated that the residential care setting provides premises and equipment that are safe, secure and suitable. A good physical environment is one that enhances the quality of life for residents and is a pleasant place to live. It meets residents’ individual and collective needs in a comfortable and homely way, and is accessible, safe, clean and well-maintained.
Information is accessible, accurate, and appropriate to residents’ and staff needs. Feedback is actively sought from residents and relatives and this informs future planning and service provision.
Inspectors observed staff communicating with the residents in a meaningful and respectful way.
Interactions between staff, residents and visitors indicated that they all knew each other well. Staff reminisced knowledgeably with the residents about their early lives and their families.
The inspectors found that staff are competent and recruited in sufficient numbers to meet residents’ needs. Inspectors saw staff working together and supporting each other. They communicated with each other throughout the day and at the shift handover. Nurses and care staff were part of the hand over when shift change occurred. Staff were polite and genuinely interested in the residents. All staff could describe the care needs of residents’ and their roles in ensuring their wellbeing and comfort.
Since the inspections took place a number of actions have been taken by St Vincent’s over failures to comply with the regulations.
These included introducing an adequate means of evacuating residents downstairs; simulated training being carried out as part of the fire training at the centre; appointing an acting director of nursing since March 1, with permission being sought to appoint a fulltime director of nursing; a review of the ventilation system in the smoking room; training and supervision in infection control and prevention procedures and elder abuse training being provided to staff.
Post a Comment