Leitrim service for adults with disabilities praised for quality of care

A service providing care and support to adults in Leitrim has been praised for its quality of care.

Mount Eslin, which is run by Nua Healthcare Services Limited, underwent a nine hour announced inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on February 28, 2023.

The centre - which consists of a large two storey house on its own grounds in a rural location - provides care to six adults, two of whom live in self-contained studio apartments within the centre, with four others residing in individual en-suite bedrooms.

According to the inspection report - published on June 8, 2023 - Mount Eslin was deemed 'Compliant' in all thirteen categories bar one, where they were marked as 'Substantially compliant'.

All six residents were present on the day of the inspection.

The service is staffed on a 24/7 basis by a person in charge, a team leader, a deputy team leader and a team of social care professionals.

Reception rooms, an open plan kitchen, and laundry facilities were noted as available for residential use, with the inspector describing areas of the centre as large, modern and cosy.

The inspector noted a marked and significant improvement in both the quality and safety of care in comparison to two prior inspections in 2021 and 2022.

On previous inspections, a large number of safeguarding concerns were identified, with “a tense atmosphere” and staff members on alert for negative interactions.

However, the atmosphere during this year’s inspection was reported to be “very pleasant”.

Staff could clearly explain individual residents’ safeguarding plans as well as individual evacuation requirements should a fire occur at the centre.

Staff members told the inspector they felt supported in their roles and that regular team meetings and supervision allowed them to raise any concerns they may have.

The inspector noted that oversight and governance arrangements at Mount Eslin were robust, with a clear management structure and lines of accountability.

However, a review of incidents indicated there had been a delayed response to a safeguarding incident.

The inspector noted that oversight of this area of care required some adjustment, resulting in the centre being deemed ‘Substantially compliant’ in this regard.

According to the report, residents who met with the inspector clearly outlined their satisfaction with the service and indicated that they felt safe and that their rights were respected.

Overall, the inspector found that residents enjoyed living in their home and that their rights, community access and personal development were actively promoted.

Additionally, the inspector noted that infection prevention control was part of everyday practice in the centre, with staff observed wearing face coverings and washing and sanitising their hands throughout the day.

Detailed cleaning records were maintained and information on the effective cleaning and disinfection of the centre was displayed throughout.

In response to the report, Mount Eslin reportedly pledged to enact a number of measures to ensure compliance in the area identified by the inspector, including conducting a daily review of incident reports, and discussing escalation policy and the HIQA monitoring notifications handbook at future team meetings.