More to do at nursing home

ADDITIONAL actions were required to meet national standards at Athlunkard House Nursing Home Westbury, when Health Information and Quality Authority inspectors returned for a follow-up inspection, according to a new report.
While the overall provision of care was found to be of an appropriate standard, some further action was required in the monitoring and oversight arrangements in place to ensure compliance with national regulations.
There were 89 residents in the centre during the unannounced HIQA inspection on December 7, 2023.
Residents told the inspectors that the “staff are so good’’, and that they ‘’feel safe’’ and at “home”.
Staff interactions with residents were observed to be kind and person-centred throughout the inspection. Residents were observed to be engaged in activities throughout the day and residents told the inspectors that they were satisfied with the variety of activities available.
Inspectors observed that some communal rooms and some bedrooms were not cleaned to an acceptable standard.
Housekeeping audits to support infection prevention and control did not identify that areas of the premises were unclean.
A review of the recording of residents finances found that the payments for services made by a resident for whom the provider was a pension agent was not always clearly documented. In addition, residents’ preferences in relation to washing and dressing was not always fully facilitated.
The inspection found toilet cabinets were heavily soiled, curtains were heavily stained and some window-sills had visible dirt present.
Kitchen equipment, water dispensers and table tops were visibly unclean in the dining room.
The centre was compliant with regulations on staffing, training and staff development, complaints procedure, written policies and procedures, visits, and health care.
It was substantially compliant with standards on records, governance and management, infection control, individual assessment and care plan and residents’ rights.
In its response, the centre stated a review of the management of resident’s financial records is currently being undertaken to ensure full compliance with best practice.
The Director of Nursing in conjunction with the Housekeeping Manager completed a review of the systems in place to monitor the quality of the cleaning and reminded staff that checklists are to be completed accurately and kept up to date.
A review of the cleanliness of the centre is completed daily by the Director of Nursing and any shortcomings identified are actioned immediately.
An enhanced cleaning schedule, including the cleaning of curtains, cabinets, window stills, kitchen equipment, water dispensers and table tops was introduced. This is monitored weekly by the Assistant Director of Nursing and any shortcomings identified are actioned immediately.
The care plan highlighted during the inspection was immediately revised by the Director of Nursing to ensure the complex needs of the resident were fully reflected in the evidence based person-centred care provided. A sample of care plans is reviewed at monthly governance meetings by the Regional Director.
Staff have been informed about the resident choice of bath or shower.