HIQA REPORTS ON STMARY OF THE ANGELS
FUNDRAISING is continuing at St Mary of the Angels to improve the living quarters of residents at the centre which were criticised in a HIQA report published last week.
The report found that the quality of residents’ lives have improved year-onyear which was due to an increased focus on establishing a meaningful day for each resident.
However, the report, which examined eight separate living quarters at the St John of God’s campus in Beaufort, found that “residents’ privacy and dignity” was compromised because of living conditions which included some residents having to share rooms.
A number of improvements were suggested, including the recommendation that rooms should not be shared.
The report found that in one house, two residents shared a bedroom which was best suited to accommodate only one person. In another house, the reports referred to the fact that a number of residents had difficulty expressing their needs while others in the same house forcefully expressed their needs. This meant that those of a quieter disposition organised their day around those who were most vocal. This was a similar finding to the last inspection carried out in August 2016, according to HIQA.
The parents and relatives group at St Mary of the Angels are fundraising to build extra rooms to reduce the number of shared bedrooms. A community house has also been purchased to house some residents and discussions are ongoing around moving residents to this, the report stated. However, this has caused upset among families whose loved ones reside at the campus and there are fears that this could close the facility.
The HIQA report also found that were insufficient staff with the required skills, qualifications and experience to meet the assessed needs of residents. There was an increase in the number of staff employed since the previous inspection but staff leave had affected this and HIQA suggests a recruitment plan to ensure adequate staff.
HIQA inspectors noted that since the August 2016 inspection, a number of improvements had been made in relation to, the decoration and upkeep of the premises, the focus on providing a meaningful day for residents and the increased emphasis of maintaining a regular workforce.
They praised the staff for facilitating a social model of care and for the improved communication between staff and mangement and families.