RESIDENTS and staff in a Cratloe Nursing Home have remained free from Covid-19 up to August 18 last, according to a new report from an independent health watchdog.
There were 32 residents living in Sancta Maria Nursing Home, Gallows Hill, Cratloe, when
inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted an inspection last August.
The centre was deemed compliant with regulations on persons in charge, contract for provision of services, visits, individual assessment and care plan, health care, and residents’ rights.
It was found to be substantially compliant with standards on staffing, training and staff development, records, governance and management, complaints procedure, infection control, fire precautions, individual assessment and care plan, and protection.
The inspector had concerns that the entire centre and equipment could not be cleaned to the standard required during a Covid-19 pandemic by one housekeeping staff member.
On the day of inspection there was one housekeeper whose duties included cleaning, laundry and assisting with kitchen duties.
A number of barriers to effective infection prevention and control were identified on the day of inspection.
The inspection report stated there was no cleaning staff rostered on some weekend dates reviewed.
Some arm chairs coverings were worn, torn and defective and could not be effectively cleaned and decontaminated.
Wooden wall panels beside some beds were damaged and defective and could not be effectively cleaned and decontaminated.
A number of plastic wash basins stored in residents bedrooms were stained and unclean.
The wall mounted urinal bottle storage rack in the sluice room was rusted and could not be effectively cleaned and decontaminated. A damaged and defective toilet seat could not be effectively cleaned and decontaminated. This was replaced during the inspection.
There was inappropriate use of gloves by some staff when there was no indication for their use, such as assisting residents to eat and when administering medicines.
In response to the audit, the centre confirmed a new housekeeper commenced employment with the centre on the week of September 6 to make up the additional hours that were identified as short on the staff roster.
Their work flow duties have been realigned into more manageable tasks and with the permanent housekeeper, who was on annual leave at the time of the inspection.
Housekeeping has been covered now seven days a week with an additional 30 hours per week included for “Deep Cleaning” of sones with the implementation of the new house keeper.
Housekeeping/facilities supervisor was also employed within Cratloe Nursing Home since February 2021, who has completed advanced training Facilities Management Course, and has commenced a FETAC Level 5 Infection Prevention and Control Training on September 14 along with a care supervisor, thus ensuring the highest standards of infection prevention and control within the nursing home.
All cleaning records have been reviewed and updated as of August 19 to ensure cleaners follow cleaning procedures.
Housekeeping staff are informed of their roles and responsibilities during induction and during clinical supervision with their supervisors and with the management team within the nursing home.
The centre also outlined a series of measures to address HIQA’s concerns in relation to standards were it was deemed to be substantially compliant.
Accommodation for residents is provided on both levels with a lift provided between floors in this split level building.
This centre had a good history of compliance with the regulations, and issues identified during the last inspection had largely been addressed, according to a new inspection report.
The inspector acknowledged that residents and staff living and working in the centre have been through a challenging time and they have been successful to date in keeping the centre free of Covid-19.
The overall feedback from residents was that they were well looked after and they were happy living in the centre. Residents reported that communication in the centre was good and that staff had kept them up-to-date regarding the restrictions and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report found the interaction between residents and staff was positive, engaging, patient and kind. Some residents told the inspector how the provider was very good to them.
Throughout the day, residents were observed partaking and enjoying a number of group activities. There was an activities coordinator on duty who was seen to encourage participation and stimulate conversation.
Residents told the inspector how they enjoyed a range of activities including arts and crafts, bingo, reminiscence, board games, card games, music therapy, sing songs and weekly reiki sessions.

by Dan Danaher