A Co Cavan nursing home was found to be non-compliant in three areas, with significant fire safety concerns identified.
Sheelin Nursing Home in Mountnugent was subject to an unannounced HIQA inspection on the 12th of October.
Sheelin Nursing Home provides nursing care and support for up to 30 older persons with both long term and short term care.
This unannounced inspection was carried out over two days to monitor compliance with the regulations after concerns were found on the previous inspection in April of 2021.
During the October 12th unannounced inspection, the centre was deemed to be not compliant in the areas of governance and management, its premises, and fire precautions.
The inspector said the "management systems in place did not ensure that significant fire safety risks" that were highlighted in April 2021 and re-iterated in a July fire safety risk assessment "were managed and effectively mitigated".
Inspectors found that only one of eight fire safety risks identified in July as a priority had been addressed at the time of the inspection.
Due to the failure to address these issues, Sheelin Nursing Home was required to take urgent action to provide the Chief Inspector with assurances regarding resident's safety in the event of a fire.
An urgent action letter was issued to the provider requiring their assurances regarding fire safety by the 27th of October, last.
On both days of the inspection, a fire door from the kitchen was left open and was not fitted with a door closer.
Inspectors also noted exposed electrical wires in the ceiling of a store in the office of the person in charge and a hole in the ceiling that require repair.
This room also lacked a smoke detector.
Sheelin Nursing Home was informed that it would have to become compliant in this areas by the 31st of December, last.
The nursing home says all eight high fire safety risks identified have now been addressed and all work is completed.
The centre was also non-compliant regarding its premises because some surfaces, like tables and floor coverings, were worn out and therefore could not be effectively cleaned.
It was also found that the infrastructure and equipment used in the laundering process posed a risk of cross contamination.
The worn out surfaces have since been removed and the laundry process has been reviewed and new laundry skips have been purchased.
