Over 90% compliance ratings received by two approved centres
The Mental Health Commission has this morning published inspection reports for inpatient centres in Kilkenny and Louth, which identified four moderate risk ratings for non-compliances with regulations.
Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, commented: “It is positive to see centres retaining levels of compliance above 90% year on year. It demonstrates a dedication of centres to maintaining a consistent quality patient care. However, I would like to see issues around staffing addressed. Staff play a key role in maintaining consistency of these standards, to achieve this it is vital staff are trained and confident in their skills.”
“These centres highlight how correct protocols and procedures once implemented effectively lead to year-on-year high compliance ratings. The Commission has noted a trend of compliance ratings falling due to premises and has repeatedly called for capital investment for mental health centres premises across Ireland to address this”, said John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission.
St Gabriel’s Ward is an approved centre located in a single storey building on the grounds of St. Canice’s Hospital in Kilkenny. The centre is registered to accommodate residents for Continuing Mental Health Care/Long Stay and Psychiatry of Later Life. There are 20 registered beds in the centre, and 15 beds were occupied on the day of inspection.
At the time of inspection, there are no conditions attached to the centre.
Overall, compliance fell from 97% in 2021 to 94% in 2022. The centre received two moderate non-compliance with regulations relating to premises and risk management procedures.
In relation to its non-compliance with risk managements, hazards were not adequately minimised in the approved centre. The approved centre had a written operational policy and procedures in relation to risk management, which was last reviewed in April 2022. However, during the inspection, radiators and associated pipework were not covered and represented a burn hazard they were extremely hot to touch. This represented a health and safety risk to the centre’s resident cohort. This risk had not been identified by staff prior to the inspection, and hence was not documented in the risk register.
In terms of corrective and preventative action, funding has been secured to cover radiators and associated pipework in all resident access areas in order to prevent a burn risk to residents.
Also, a risk assessment form has been completed highlighting the risk of burns to residents from hot radiators and the associated pipework and is now on the unit's risk register.
The Ita’s Ward is single storey building within the campus of St Brigid’s Hospital, in Louth. The approved centre is registered with the Mental Health Commission for 20 beds. There were five rooms occupied during the inspection. All residents were now accommodated in single bedrooms.
There is one condition attached to the centre at the time of inspection which relates to staffing. The centre was not in breach of this condition at the time of inspection.
Compliance fell from 97% in 2021 to 93% in 2022. The centre received two moderate risk ratings for non-compliances with regulations relating to staffing and general health.
The centre did receive a moderate risk rating for non-compliance with a different aspect of the staffing regulations. The numbers and skill mix of staffing were sufficient to meet resident needs and an appropriately qualified staff member was on duty and in charge at all times, however, not all staff were trained in the areas of fire safety, basic life support or the professional management of aggression and violence.
In relation to the non-compliance on general health, the inspection found the clinical files of five residents who had been in the approved centre over six months were reviewed. The six-monthly health assessments documented a physical examination, blood pressure, smoking status, dental health, nutritional status, a medication review, body mass-index and weight. Not all six- monthly assessments included documented family history; this was missing in three of the files examined. Similarly, the waist circumference measurement of one resident had not been recorded in one case. Resident waist circumference measurements were contained in each the other four files inspected.
St Gabriel’s Inspection Report
You can find our full statement here.
