Actions are underway at the Dreenan residential care centre in Donegal following a recent HIQA report.
The centre, which provides residential care and support to four adults with disabilities, was inspected for infection prevention procedures in July.
The findings of the inspection, published this week, found that the centre was deemed to be “substantially compliant” with Regulation 27 – Prevention against Infection.
Dreenan is a six bedroom detached bungalow which is staffed on a 24/7 basis.
The inspector reported that residents appeared happy and comfortable in their home environment and with staff supporting them. The overall standard of cleanliness and infection prevention and control practices in the centre were found to be good in ensuring measures were in place to promote the safety for all on an ongoing basis.
Improvements were recommended in information on Hospital passports, guidelines for laundry arrangements, checks on expiry dates, post outbreak reviews and clear guidance in outbreak plans to enhance the quality and safety of care provided with regard to infection prevention and control.
Since the inspection the HSE said it has taken a number of actions to ensure full regulatory compliance. These include the following:
· Cleaning Schedules have been reviewed to include checking of expiry dates of hand hygiene products.
· The centre management has reviewed and implemented Infection Prevention Control guidance in respect of linen management within Community Group Homes.
· The centre’s Covid-19 Contingency Plan has been updated to reflect the arrangements for the isolation of staff should they develop symptoms whilst on duty
· A review of audits across services is currently being undertaken and are being applied in the centre.
A statement from the HSE said: “The HSE will continue to work to ensure that a high quality of service is maintained within this centre.”
The full HIQA Inspection report is available at: