The health watchdog has found a Tralee nursing home to be non-compliant in relation to fire precautions.
HIQA carried out an unannounced inspection at Saint Louis Nursing Home Tralee on October 15th to monitor compliance with regulations under the Health Act 2007.
Inspectors followed up on progress made by the provider to address issues with the premises and fire precautions, as noted during a previous inspection.
While it found there was a homely feel to the centre, with unrestricted access for residents to communal spaces; the facility was deemed non-compliant in two areas, and substantially compliant in one category of the health act.
The Health Information and Quality Authority found St Louis Nursing Home to be non-compliant in relation to fire precautions.
The inspector was not assured all reasonable actions had been taken by the provider to ensure residents were protected from the risk of fire.
It was noted there was inappropriate combustible storage within the electrical room; action was required to ensure some doors be fitted with suitable automatic door closers.
The inspector observed a badly damaged electrical socket, with exposed wires behind a bed; the provision of exit signage was not adequate, and there was no evidence in the centres drill reports, to verify that evacuation aids would fit through all exits.
Governance and management was also found to be non-compliant, with the report noting that management systems were not sufficiently robust to ensure the service provided is safe, appropriate, consistent and effectively monitored.
The Premises was deemed to be substantially compliant with the Health Act 2007.
HIQA noted in some en-suite toilets there was pull chords from a decommissioned system, in addition to the newer system, which resulted in confusion.
A previous compliance plan committed to having the unnecessary cords removed.
Inspectors found the storage arrangement not to be adequate, there was no record the sluice machine had been serviced, while loose tiles were detected at the encasement of the waste pipe in a bathroom.
In response to the report, the nursing home outlined that management will commence at least twice weekly walk arounds to ensure everything is in good working order.
It added a maintenance man has been employed for three days a week to address outstanding jobs.
The centre noted some issues have since been resolved, including the removal of decommissioned call bells, replacement and securing of loose tiling, and replacement of shelving,
The facility outlined an audit and review of fire management has been completed; electrical sockets have been repositioned, a new fire escape window has been measured and ordered; while all staff have received fire training, with drills to be carried out monthly.
