Largely positive HIQA report for Sunbeam centre

SOME AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT HIGHLIGHTED AT ARKLOW PREMISES

SOME areas for improvement have been highlighted in an otherwise positive HIQA report for a Sunbeam House Services (SHS) facility in Arklow.

The regulator conducted an unannounced visit to The Beeches, which provides residential care for adults with severe and profound learning disabilities, in September last.

The inspection assessed the facility’s compliance with 15 regulations and it was found to be fully compliant with 12 of the regulations. In relation to three regulations, the inspector stated some improvement was required to be considered fully compliant.

The report stated that staff knew the residents well and they appeared happy in the company of staff. The centre was ‘seen to be homely and comfortable’ and the inspector stated the staff assisted residents to take part in activities they enjoyed.

While the inspector considered local monitoring systems ‘effective’, they stated improvements were required to ensure actions raised through HIQA inspections took place.

Referring to a previous HIQA inspection conducted in October 2017, the report noted that requested actions to improve the accessibility of the garden had taken a long time to carry out. It was stated that SHS had informed the Chief Inspector of Social Services that works to address this issue, including the installation of hand rails, a ramp and accessible pathways, would be completed by June 2018.

However, the report states that some of the required works had been completed during the summer period prior to the inspection. While these works improved the accessibility of the garden for residents, the inspector noted ‘some works were still in progress’ and the action had taken ‘a significant amount of time to address’.

In an action plan which was included with the HIQA report, SHS said it was in the process of completing a programme which would prioritise works to enhance the premises. Previously agreed works to the property would be completed by the end of quarter 1 2020.

The report stated that there were plans to enhance the gardens by creating a sensory garden for residents.

A concern was also raised that some policies needed to be reviewed and updated. In an action plan included with the HIQA report, SHS said a review of policies was taking place and due to be completed by quarter 2 of 2020.

A spokesperson for Sunbeam House Services said: ‘Overall, the HIQA report on our centre is very positive, speaking about the supports delivered to people who have severe and profound learning and physical disabilities. There are improvements required and these are dependent on available funding becoming accessible.

‘The staff in the centre have shown a high degree of empathy, skill and caring and this is to be commended. We are systematically improving our quality of services with the limited resources available and will continue to do this into the future throughout our services.’