Cahercalla awarded major quality standard

The achievement of full CHKS quality assurance accreditation for Cahercalla Nursing Home shows that small community facilities can be the best in the country.
That’s according to Limerick comedian Jon Kenny, who officially unveiled a plaque commemorating Cahercalla’s achievement in becoming the first nursing home in Ireland to achieve the award.
“Cahercalla is not very big but the staff have shown they can obtain a high standard of care that is as good as, if not better than, any newly-built facility, especially following this award. I think is very important for our elderly to be near their own community and family.
“There is a very hands-on approach. What is going on here is a microcosm of what is really should be happening in the health service.
“We do need centres of excellence but with facilities like this and technology, in time we can link up and share expertise with other places. I think that will happen in time. I know what is already in the medical profession in terms of cancer and other areas,” he said.
In 2006, Cahercalla was one of 14 nursing home to achieve a National Quality of Care award for nursing homes.
Cahercalla Community Hospital chairman, Fr Harry Bohan paid tribute to all the hospital staff, who put in a huge amount of work with help from outside experts to secure a first in Ireland award for the quality of care in a nursing home.
“This award has provided a huge boost for the morale of staff, who are really justifiably proud of their achievements. Cahercalla is unique because it has three services – a hospice, nursing home and day surgical facilities under the one roof,” he said.
Cahercalla manager, Paula O’Halloran said the award verified that all sections of the hospital have met international standards developed by CHKS to reflect worldwide best practice in healthcare provision.