A HIQA inspection has praised the significant improvements made at a Cavan nursing home.
An unannounced inspection was carried out Virginia Community Health Centre in February of this year.
The centre, located on the Dublin Road, Virginia, provides 24 hour care to 56 male and female residents who require long-term and short-term care. The centre is a two-storey extended building located on a green-field site. The philosophy of care is to provide a caring environment that promotes health, independence, dignity and choice. Inspectors praised centre for making great strides forward in their level of compliance. The home had a busy but calm atmosphere, and a number of fire safety improvement works were being carried out on the day. Residents had access to spacious communal rooms and beautifully landscaped outdoor garden areas within the centre, allowing for social interaction and relaxation. There was a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in the centre, and the residents told the inspectors that they were happy living there. Residents' feedback was positive regarding quantity, quality and the variety of food that was on offer. Care plans for each resident were very person-centred and comprehensive.
Residents had regular access to a GP, and an advanced nurse practitioner in dementia services was also available to assist. Inspectors noted concerns with the height of the barriers on the balconies of residents' rooms, stating they may not fully protect from fall risks. The HSE in its response noted that the barriers were in full compliance with building regulations, but a risk assessment has been completed to further reduce fall risk. The inspectors reported also highlighted a high number of staff vacancies. The HSE say recruitment is ongoing to fill these posts, with agency staff temporarily filling gaps.
The centre was found to be compliant or substantially compliant in all areas of inspection.
ENDS
