ASHFORD HOME STILL BREAKS RULES
Rosanna Gardens residential centre is criticised in new HIQA report
ROSANNA Gardens residential centre has been criticised by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in its latest report. The Ashford-based centre for people with disabilities continues to operate in breach of the Health Act 2007 as it failed to address problems previously detected, according to the report. The most recent inspection by HIQA noted that ‘ the commitments given [previously] were not fulfilled’ on the date of the inspection on January 19.
ADEQUATE measures have not been taken to protect the residents of the HSE-run Rosanna Gardens in Ashford with 668 incidents of self-injurious behaviour and peer-to-peer verbal abuse being reported, HIQA has reported.
The designated centre for people with disabilities, operated by Sunbeam House Services, has been criticised by the health watchdog as it failed to address problems previously detected and was in major non-compliance in relation to a number of issues.
These problems include ‘repeated failings in relation to safeguarding issues, inability to meet the assessed needs of residents, and in the governance and oversight of the designed centre.’
The operators of the centre had submitted a plan to address the problems at the Ashford- based residential unit.
However, the most recent inspection by HIQA noted that ‘ the commitments given were not fulfilled,’ on the date of the inspection on January 19.
Adequate measures had not been taken to protect residents, with 668 incidents of self-injurious behaviour, and peer-to-peer verbal abuse, recorded between January and October last year. Referring to an ‘inappropriate mix of residents’, the report noted: ‘Residents were subjected to name-calling and offensive language frequently during the inspection.’
Inspectors found a sharps disposal box in one house which was provided to ensure the safe discarding of syringe needles. The box was closed but there was an exposed needle resting on the top of the lid which could expose residents to a needle stick injury.
The report stated that Rosanna Gardens continues to operate in breach of the Health Act 2007.
The latest HIQA report noted staffing supports were not consistently provided in line with the assessed needs of residents; residents were identified as requiring one-to-one support which was not provided resulting in high levels of self-injurious behaviours occurring.
Each of the previous inspections generated an action plan where Sunbeam House Services Company Ltd detailed plans to address the areas of non-compliance.
Additionally, the provider was requested to attend meetings with HIQA where additional reassurances of compliance were sought.
The report stated: ‘ Some residents who were spoken to expressed their frustration with the lack of progress in relation to their needs being met.’
The residents told inspectors they wanted to go out more and could not because there are not enough staff and referred to not being allowed to move to a new house.
The outcomes inspected against Rosanna Gardens found its Health and Safety and Risk Management, Safeguarding and Safety, Governance and Management and Workforce were all found to be in major non-compliance.