Positive HIQA report for Community Hospital of the Assumption Thurles

Thurles’ Community Hospital of the Assumption provides a high standard of care for its residents, according to a new report.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted a two-day unannounced inspection of the modern facility on the outskirts of Thurles town on May 2nd and 3rd, and the report was published on September 11th.

All care homes across the State are subject to such regular inspections. The centre is operated by the HSE and is registered to accommodate a maximum of 60 residents.

There were 58 residents on the dates of inspection. The inspector met and spoke with a number of residents and visitors in various parts of the centre throughout the course of the inspection. During these conversations the inspector asked residents and families about their experience of care and communication with staff during their time at the centre.

“Feedback was consistently positive with both residents and visitors commenting on the very good standard of care they experienced at the centre. The inspector met several residents preparing for a Mass service following lunch on the first day who said they had enjoyed their lunch and that the food was always good and that they were happy with the choice of meals.

“Residents described taking meals in their room or in the dining areas as they preferred. Several residents were complimentary of staff and management remarking on the excellence of staff and their feelings of safety and being well cared for at the centre. Visitors spoken with remarked on the high standard of care that they saw take place at the centre, commenting on the attentiveness of both staff and management.

“Residents said they had choices around how they spent their day and described participating in regular activities, such as bingo and music performances, or visiting the hairdresser in the centre. Many commented on being glad that they could attend the Mass service that took place every day. Some residents went into town by taxi or used the transport vehicle to go to the library and local shopping centre.

“Other residents said they enjoyed spending time in their room watching television or with their visitors. Residents said that they felt they could ask staff for anything and that all efforts were made to meet their needs and requests.

“Residents said they were comfortable in their accommodation and liked the new curtains in their room, though some said they would like to have a bit more storage space for their belongings.”

Furthermore, the governance arrangements and systems at this centre were “well developed and ensured that the quality of care was effectively monitored and maintained to a high standard.”

A regular maintenance programme for premises was in evidence and a range of new curtains and screens were being fitted during the inspection. “While these improvements were significant in addressing issues around accommodation and premises, further action was required to ensure effective arrangements in the support of residents’ privacy, dignity and choice.”

The person in charge was suitably qualified and experienced and “was engaged in the governance and management of the centre in keeping with the requirements of the role.”

Overall, the centre was compliant or substantially compliant in 19 out of 21 areas surveyed. Full report at hiqa.ie