The HSE has committed to reviewing the design of bedrooms in the Ramelton Community Hospital to improve space for residents with limited mobility.
The measures come after a HIQA inspection found that the layout of 14 single-occupancy rooms at the hospital was not suitable for meeting the residents’ needs.
The unannounced inspection last October focused on four regulations – one of which was complaint, one substantially complaint and two of which were deemed non-compliant.
The inspector reported that some bedrooms did not have a correct layout for specialist assistive equipment.
The placement of furniture significantly reduced circulation space, making it difficult to safely manoeuvre items like zimmer frames and hoists. Inspectors observed that the rooms were unsuitable for full-body hoists, noting that there were no residents accommodated in these rooms on the day of the inspection who required a hoist.
The inspection also found that the limited space posed a trip hazard for residents using rollator zimmer frames. This layout also raised concerns about staff’s ability to safely use a full-body hoist if a resident were to fall.
The hospital also had a non-compliance in relation to personal possessions.
Insufficient space in some single rooms meant bedside cabinets were poorly placed, hindering residents’ access to personal belongings, and inadequate wardrobe space forced two residents to store items in bags on the floor or cabinets.
To address the issues of non-compliance and substantial compliance the HSE said it will appoint a design team in 2025 which will review and design the bedroom accommodation within the centre.
“These plans will be presented to HIQA in 2026 for review and consultation,” a spokesperson said.
“In the interim approval has been obtained for the installation of tracking hoists in a number of the single rooms which will allow residents to remain within their bedroom if their mobility needs should vary.
“To ensure that residents have access to their personal possessions a review of resident’s bedroom furniture has taken place and residents have been provided with a new locker which allows residents to have access and control of their personal possessions.”
Overall, the residents’ feedback was highly positive about the care and services provided in this centre. Residents who spoke with the inspectors said that they felt safe in the centre and that the staff were friendly and helpful at all times. The centre was found to be well-managed. The provider implemented appropriate management systems to ensure the safe and effective monitoring of the care and service provided to residents. Residents’ meetings were held regularly, and they were consulted about their care needs and the overall quality of the service. The centre had a full-time activities coordinator who ensured that residents were actively involved in meaningful social interactions and activities based on their individual interests and abilities. Residents had access to advocacy services in the centre and were also able to participate in the running of the designated centre through resident meetings and resident feedback questionnaires.
Following the publication of the inspection report today, Frank Morrison, Head of Service, Older Persons, HSE Community Services Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said: “We will continue to work with HIQA to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in all designated Older Persons residential services.”
