St Columban’s Nursing Home receives glowing HIQA report

MAGHERAMORE NURSING HOME DEEMED TOTALLY COMPLIANT

ST COLUMBAN’S Nursing Home in Magheramore received a glowing report following a visit from an inspector from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

The centre is a purpose built single storey building that accommodates up to 24 residents and is located within the St Columban’s Sisters Convent.

The nursing home was judged on 22 different regulations and was found to be compliant in all of them.

The date of inspection was August of this year and residents were spoken to in order to find out their experience of the service, which they were very happy with. All were complimentary about the premises, with one resident describing the centre as bright and airy while another commented on the comfortable surroundings.

Another resident described staff as pleasant and said that was what she wanted. A resident stated that all residents were seen as persons not patients and how important this was to them. Another said that staff were always kind and helpful while another said there was genuine friendship between the staff and residents. Yet another described the caring atmosphere in the centre.

All residents said the service met their religious needs and how happy they were with the prayer room. They were also very complimentary about the food, in particular the home baking, while others commented on the availability of fresh fruit throughout the day. One resident felt that protected mealtimes would be beneficial.

Residents said how much they enjoyed the various activities, in particular the music and art sessions.

The inspector was satisfied that the quality and safety of care delivered to residents was monitored and developed on an ongoing basis. The person in charge was a registered nurse and had the required experience in nursing older people.

At the time of inspection, there were appropriate staff numbers and skill-mix to meet the assessed needs of residents and the safe delivery of services

All mandatory training was up to date. The inspector noted that a training schedule was in place for the coming year. Online training was also available to staff.

The inspector reviewed a sample of four staff files and noted that they were complete. Action required from the previous inspection had been addressed.

There was evidence of improvements being identified and interventions put in place to address any issues. The annual review of the quality and safety of care delivered to residents was completed.

A log was maintained of all accidents and incidents that took place in the centre. The Chief Inspector received notifications of accidents and incidents, when required.

It was noted that visitors were welcomed in the centre, and encouraged to participate in the residents’ lives.

Overall, the findings showed that, on the day of inspection, the residential centre was providing good quality care and support.