MHC finds high risk ratings in three mental health centres, one of which still had 97% compliance
On Thursday 28th November 2019, The Mental Health Commission published three inspection reports from three approved centres in Galway, Mayo and Limerick which identified six areas of high risk non-compliance. The approved centre in Limerick had improved its high level of compliance with regulations to 97%, but there was one area of non-compliance and this was rated as moderate risk.
The three approved centres involved are as follows;
Tearmann Ward, St Camillus' Hospital, Shelbourne Road, Co Limerick: is a 15-bed assessment unit for persons with advancing dementia and psychological and behavioural symptoms. They have significantly improved their level of regulatory compliance since 2016 and have improved its high level of compliance with regulations to 97% in 2019, with an increased number of compliances (17) rated as excellent. However, there was one area of non-compliance and this was rated as moderate risk.
Adult Mental Health Unit, Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, Co Mayo: accommodates 32 residents at full capacity. There has been an overall improvement in compliance with regulations over the past three years: 74% compliance in 2017, 61% compliance in 2018 and 77% compliance in 2019. Twelve compliances with regulations were rated excellent. There were three high risk non-compliances identified at the time of the inspection relating to individual care planning, general health and premises.
Wood View, Merlin Park, Co Galway: a 16-bed continuing care mental health facility. Overall, there has been an improvement in compliance with regulations from 73% in 2017 and 71% in 2018, to 78% in 2019. Six compliances with regulations were rated excellent. The approved centre had three high risk ratings, at the time of inspection for therapeutic services and programmes, ordering prescribing storing and administration of medicines and staffing.
All three centres have had a number of quality initiatives which are highlighted within the inspection reports. Tearmann have introduced a pilot project of hourly rounding to improve awareness and reducing the occurrence of falls. Mayo University Hospital introduced a new multi-disciplinary therapeutic programme and Wood View opened a new activities room for use to facilitate an expanded range of therapeutic inputs.
Commenting on the report, Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, said: “This year because of high compliance rates in three approved centres, the Commission introduced self-assessment with regulations and an announced visit for inspectors. This is part of an ongoing evidence based quality improvement approach which aims to drive improvements in practice in mental health facilities.”
Mr. John Farrelly Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission said, “The Commission is cognisant of the continued difficulties in maintaining and increasing levels of adequately trained staff in mental health services. Based on our inspections, we are aware of the serious effect that a lack of adequately trained staff has on the quality and quantity of services that can be provided.”
Our full statement can be read here.
