Nursing home praised for care to close

A NURSING home which is being shut down by the Health Service Executive was praised for the quality of its care by the national watchdog for the sector.

The HSE last month announced the closure of the 30-bed unit at St Brigid’s Hospital in Shaen, Portlaoise, Co Laois to “optimise” the use of resources in Laois-Offaly.

Seán Fleming, Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, who was suspended from the Dáil over the issue, said the closure of Shaen hospital was “heartless and cruel”.

An inspector from the Health Information and Quality Authority last October praised the staff for their care of the residents.

Authority inspector Sheila Doyle said the health needs of residents were met; the quality of their lives was enhanced by the provision of a choice of interesting things to do; the health and safety of residents was protected and promoted; they had a nutritious and varied diet; and the facility was clean and well maintained.

“An ethos of respect and dignity for both residents and staff was evident. Questionnaires received from relatives and those spoken with were unanimous in their praise for the service provided and the kindness and caring nature of the staff,” Ms Doyle said.

There were however “significant deficits” in the building, she said, with several multi-occupancy rooms including two six-bedded areas, no washbasins in a large number of rooms, and no baths.

Gerry Raleigh, who ran the home on behalf of the HSE, said a comprehensive planning process had commenced to address the layout of the facility over a six-month programme.

A Health Information and Quality Authority report on a nursing home in Cork found inadequate hygiene standards in place. An inspection following concerns raised over the Resthaven nursing home in Meelin, Newmarket Co Cork, found pressure-relief mattresses were used without sheets and there was no washbasin in the laundry. The home was closed by the owner last October.