Water damage and potential fire risk among issues listed by Hiqa at HSE-run centre

Serious water damage from a leaking roof and a related risk of an electrical fire was identified as a serious safety hazard in an HSE-run facility, according to a new Hiqa report.

A Hiqa inspection of Lifford Community Hospital, based in Donegal and run by the HSE, found that the building was in need of serious repair, as there was extensive water damage from a leak in the roof.

Hiqa stated that the provider had failed to carry out essential works to repair the issues with the building, which were first identified in July 2019.

The building’s leaking roof resulted in extensive water damage to the structure of the building, including internal ceilings and walls in a number of resident areas.

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“As a result the well-being and safety of the residents were significantly impacted by the very poor condition of the premises in which they were accommodated,” the inspector said.

Hiqa also noted that the provider did not carry out an assessment of the damage.

This meant the HSE could not say whether the water damage has impacted on the electrical wiring and the fire containment precautions that are in place in the building.

The inspectors noted, however, that water damage on some of the walls has reached electrical sockets and light switches.

‘Poor state of repair’

Two single bedrooms in the premises were also in a very poor state of repair due to the water leak, according to the inspection report. There was little decoration, and the inspector described one room as a “dark and depressing environment”.

Walls and ceilings throughout the premises were water damaged, and plaster was peeling off. A strong smell of damp was detected in some areas, and ventilation was deemed insufficient.

Inspectors were also informed that one of the store rooms had been recently condemned by the local public health team due to the presence of black mould.

“The smell of damp in this area was overwhelming and the area was not an appropriate space for storage of equipment or linen,” the report said.

Concerns were also raised about residents’ access to meaningful activities, due to staff shortages.

However, the residents spoke highly of the care they received from staff.

Training and staff development was flagged as a serious issue in Brookvale Manor Private Nursing Home in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.

The Hiqa inspector reviewed resident documentation relating to a number of high risk incidents and found “significant gaps” in nursing knowledge.

These gaps included poor infection control assessment, inadequate understanding of advocacy and residents’ rights, and poor assessment and clinical decision making following an injury to a resident.

Concerns were also raised about some younger residents who had complex health and social care needs. Inspectors observed that one of these residents remained in their room with little to do.

Overall, the quality and safety of care delivery in the centre was described as “poor” by Hiqa. However, most residents spoke positively about the staff.

Residents in Brampton Care Home in Oranmore, Co Galway, told Hiqa inspectors they were dissatisfied with their care.

They felt there was poor communication from management, and that staff were always rushing and under pressure.

Noise from ongoing building works was also reported as an issue.

Overall, the inspector found that the management of health and safety in the centre was poor, and they were concerned that the management team had not recognised three instances of alleged abuse documented in the centre’s complaints register.

“This meant that the allegations were not investigated in line with the centre’s safeguarding policy nor where they notified to the Chief Inspector as required under regulation,” the report stated.