The health watchdog found significant building defects in a HSE centre for older people in Killarney.
The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an unannounced inspection at Killarney Community Hospital in September, and has published the report from that inspection.
The centre for older people on St Margaret’s Road, operated by the HSE, has capacity for 66 residents.
Inspectors saw mould on a number of areas including bedroom walls, with a strong odour of must and mould.
HIQA inspectors wrote that significant findings of mould were evident in areas of the centre, including a bedroom wall, in a sluice room and in a cleaners store where cleaning products, cleaning equipment, mops and clean cloths were stored, while there was a strong odour of must and mould.
HIQA said in a designated centre for older people, mould is not just an aesthetic or maintenance issue- it is a serious health hazard that requires immediate remediation, strict moisture control, and regular monitoring.
The health watchdog said mould poses a significant health and operational risk, and visible mould on surfaces may be an indication of more serious contamination underneath.
It said the main means of exposure to mould is via inhalation but exposure can also occur via ingestion or contact with mouldy surfaces.
The report says works were immediately commenced to address this, and these works were completed within 72 hours.
Inspectors also found significant wear and tear of floor surfaces and badly damaged wall areas throughout the centre.
The provider undertook works to both the floor and paint work, which are now completed, to address this non-compliance.
The HSE told HIQA that building works were ongoing to provide a new centre which would move all the residents in the current units to a new site near the existing designated centre, which will enhance the lives of residents going forward.
The building of the new community hospital is complete, but has not been handed over to the HSE, and HIQA has not received an application to register the new centre.
Inspectors also spoke to residents, who were happy with the care they received, felt safe in the centre, and enjoyed a good quality of life.
Staff were seen to be kind and responsive to residents’ needs, and it was evident they knew residents well.
On the day of the unannounced inspection, residents were seen to be enjoying art and watching a Gaelic football match, while they were supported to participate in meaningful activities.
