‘A lovely centre’: Leitrim residential service receives glowing HIQA report

A HIQA inspection of a residential service in North Leitrim has been very positive, with the health watchdog finding the centre compliant with all regulations.

The inspection was carried out in May at Bayview nursing home in Tullaghan, which provides a full-time residential service for four residents who are over 18 years of age and have an intellectual disability. Bayview consists of a spacious ground-floor bungalow.

Each resident has their own bedroom, and care is provided by nurses and healthcare assistants.

In their report, the inspector described Bayview as “a lovely centre where residents were very happy,” while staff members at Bayview spoke of the improvement in the quality of life of residents since moving into the centre, how well they got on together, and how they described themselves as “great friends.”

The report found that residents had “ample space” to spend time together or have privacy away from other residents, either in their bedrooms or in the sitting rooms or dining room.

The report was very positive about both the care of residents and their quality of life, stating: “It was clear from observation in the centre, conversations with residents and staff, and information viewed during the inspection, that residents had a good quality of life, had choices in their daily lives, and were supported by staff to be involved in activities that they enjoyed, both in the centre and in the local community.”

Staffing levels were found to be adequate, staff training was described as “effective,” insurance was in place, and the inspector also found that there was evidence of families being very positive about the service provided to their loved ones.

A complaints policy is in place at the centre for residents or their loved ones to lodge a complaint if they wish, and the inspector found no open complaints when they visited.

The centre has dedicated wheelchair-accessible transport, which is used for outings and activities, and has an open-door policy where loved ones can visit at any time.

Overall, the centre was inspected on 19 regulations and was found compliant with all of them.

The regulations were renewal of registration, persons in charge, staffing, training and staff development, insurance, governance and management, statement of purpose, notification of incidents, complaints procedure, written policies and procedures, visits, premises, information for residents, fire precautions, individual assessment and personal plan, health care, positive behavioural support, protection, and residents’ rights.