The Chief Officer for the Health Services in the north west says he’s working closely with management to ensure all of the concerns raised in four HIQA reports last week are addressed.
On Friday, the Health Information and Quality Authority issued reports on 4 inspections of centres that care for people with intellectual disabilities in Sligo.
They found they were seriously in breach of a number of regulations.
HIQA’s findings raised a number of concerns including safety, governance, privacy and the training of staff at these centres.
Today in a statement to Ocean FM News, the HSE has responded to those reports of the 4 centres in Sligo.
In the case of Glenbow, a centre that cares for 42 people, HIQA found that an allegation of abuse was not handled in line with procedure.
The HSE says since the inspection all safeguarding concerns have been addressed and the complaints procedure has been reviewed to ensure that all complaints are managed according to HSE policy.
A full schedule of training has also been provided to all staff on the ‘National Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults’ policy.
The HIQA report also raised concerns about privacy at Glenbow outlining that windows in bedroom doors compromised residents’ privacy and commodes were stored in some twin rooms occupied by residents.
The HSE says these privacy concerns have been addressed.
The HSE also says the Glenbow centre was built in the 1970s but a refurbishment programme is now underway and more supports have been put in place for residents.
Management has also been reviewed and strengthened at the Glenbow centre as well as at the Realta and Earrach services also in Sligo.
A complaints log has also been put in place at the Realta centre and a fire evacuation plan developed by the fire officer.
A series of improvements are underway at the Suaimhneas centre including a risk assessment on the trampoline and a half door within the home.
Chief Officer for Health Services in the region John Hayes says he’s working closely with staff to ensure that these centres provide a ‘person-centred, safe and high quality service.’
Full statement released to Ocean FM News: 23rd November 2016:
22nd November 2016:
HSE Media Statement
HIQA Reports on 4 Intellectual Disability Services in Sligo
HIQA published 4 reports on Intellectual Disability centers in Sligo on its website on 18th November 2016. The HSE acknowledges the findings within these reports which were on inspections that took place in the following four services, namely Glenbow, Realta, Earrach & Suaimhneas between March to August 2016.
Glenbow Service
This service was inspected from 23rd to 24th March. Glenbow provides residential services to 42 persons with an intellectual disability. Eleven adults reside in two bungalows and thirty one people reside within a three story building. The three story facility was constructed in the 1970’s and whilst significant investment has been made to make this building as homely as possible, going forward the preferred residential style setting is one that will resembling family home style buildings. The report highlighted that staff when engaging with residents did so in a caring manner and that residents expressed their satisfaction with the service.
Since the inspection, a series of improvements have been made including: The service has strengthened the existing supports to increase choice for residents in particular greater choice in day activities, food choices, access to the community and establishment of links to the community. A refurbishment programme commenced and all bedrooms have been upgraded to ensure they are personalised to the resident. Privacy concerns highlighted in the report have been addressed.
With regards to safeguarding and safety: All safeguarding concerns are addressed in line with HSE policy. The complaints policy has been reviewed and systems are now in place to ensure that all complaints are managed according to HSE policy. A full schedule of training has provided to all staff on the National Safeguarding Vulnerable adults policy.
Extensive upgrading of all fire safety requirements and staff training on fire safety and evacuation has taken place.
With regards to leadership, governance and management: Since the inspection the governance and management has been strengthened. A new manager has been appointed and three “persons in charge” have been appointed. This will result in improved accountability and a safer service.
Realta Centre – This centre was inspected between 26th to 27th April. The centre accommodated 4 residents on a full time basis and two residents on a part time basis. Staff were observed to engage with residents in a dignified and respectful manner. Residents were also supported to maintain positive relationships with family.
Since the inspection, a series of actions and improvements have been made including with regards to resident’s rights dignity and consultation:
A complaints log has been developed which will document details of complaints, the investigation undertaken, action taken to resolve the issue and the complainants’ satisfaction with the outcome.
With regards to Health and Safety and Risk Management: A fire evacuation plan has been developed by the Fire officer. The Fire evacuation procedure has been reviewed and updated to ensure all persons can leave the designated centre in safe and effective time. In relation to Safeguarding & Safety: All care staff have received up to date training in the protection of vulnerable adults. Regarding Governance & Management: A person in charge has been appointed and is based in centre since September 2016. The person in charge will ensure that all future concerns raised will be dealt with efficiently and effectively in line with policy.
Earrach Service – This service was inspected on the 6th of May. This service provides residential services to 12 persons with an Intellectual Disability within 2 community group homes located in the local community. Staff were observed to engage with residents in a dignified and respectful manner. Residents told inspectors that they were happy with their home and the staff that supported them.
Since the inspection, a series of actions and improvements have been made including with regards to Governance & Management: A person in charge has been in position since September. The management structure has been reviewed to identify clear lines of authority and accountability, specific roles and details responsibilities for all areas of service provision.
Suaimheas Service – This service was inspected between 24th to 25th August. Suaimhneas Service provides residential services to 4 persons with an intellectual disability in a community group home located in the local community. The inspector observed residents being supported in a respectful & dignified manner by staff throughout the inspection. The inspector observed residents making choices using their preferred means of communication, and staff were knowledgeable on resident’s support needs.
Since the inspection, a series of actions and improvements have been made including with regards to Health Safety and Risk Management: A risk assessment has been completed on the trampoline and a half door within the home. In relation to Safeguarding & Safety: Safeguarding screening & safeguarding plans are in place as required & reviewed regularly.
Mr. John Hayes, Chief Officer for Health Services in the region says, “I am working closely with management and staff at these centers to ensure that all of the concerns identified by HIQA and the HSE’s own Quality Improvement Team are being addressed. We will continue to work together to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety arrangements in place and that these systems are working effectively to ensure a person centred, safe, high quality services are provided to all service users/residents.
ENDS
