HIQA delivers an excellent report for RehabCare centre

A HIQA report into the RehabCare Centre Accommodation Centre in Tralee found the centre compliant in almost all areas of inspection.

Only a few minor actions were to be taken by the service providers according to the report published this week.

According to HIQA inspectors, the provider sought “to promote resident independence, autonomy and quality of life while also exercising its duty of care and its legal responsibilities to protect residents from harm.”

Inspectors examined the centre under a number of headings and found them complaint in almost all.

The improvements required included: the recording of complaints, the scheduling of simulated fire drills, the review of some risk assessment scorings and a review of the statement of purpose.

Residents participated in decisions about their care and communication aids to help them were used to allow conversation between the residents and care workers.

Complaints were listened to and acted on but according to HIQA no records were maintained on whether the complainant was satisfied or not with the actions taken to deal with the complaint. RehabCare gave an undertaking to follow-up with complainants within four weeks to ensure they are happy with the outcome and record this follow-up.

A risk register of centre-specific, work-related and resident-specific risks was in place along with an assessment of these risks and the controls in place to prevent harm. HIQA found that some of the controls or methods to prevent risk were not sufficient.

RehabCare said that they would review this and put in place extra controls where identified.

Overall the HIQA report was positive and praised the care of residents including the safeguarding of residents from harm and the support provided to ensure a positive approach to their care. Personal plans were in place for residents which included their own goals and objectives and these plans were followed through by staff to ensure a good qualify of life for residents.

HIQA also said that the governance of the centre was good, as was staffing with “appropriate staff numbers and skill mix to meet the assessed needs of residents and the safe delivery of services.”