North Leitrim nursing home is commended in largely positive report

A largely positive inspection of a north Leitrim nursing home took place earlier this year with a report published this week commending the HSE-run care home.

A HIQA inspection took place at Arus Breffni Nursing Unit in Manorhamilton, Leitrim, on 9 January this year found that "that residents were content with the quality of health, and social care support provided" with several residents stating, "they were
provided with first class care'' while another said ''when they need care support, staff are available to help''.
The inspection was conducted with a focus on adult safeguarding, and to review measures the provider had in place to safeguard residents from all forms of abuse. 

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Residents reported that staff were c"aring, kind, and that they enjoyed having a chat with staff" as well as "respected their privacy". 

Arus Breffni Nursing Unit is situated on the outskirts of Manorhamilton in north Co Leitrim, and provides accommodation for 25 residents. The designated centre had recently celebrated its 50th golden anniversary, with the centre having been officially opened in 1975. 

Accommodation is provided in a range of single, and twin-occupied bedrooms, which were suitable for the assessed needs of the residents, the report stated adding that "centre was clean, warm, and welcoming with fresh flowers in the reception area." The report noted that "there was a strong focus to maintain resident links with their local community, with examples of community services attending the centre, and residents supported to attend day centres, local places of interest, and regular visits to the local town."

It stated that residents had unrestricted access to all areas of their home, including access to outside facilities and the "provider maintained level access throughout the garden area, which facilitated residents using mobility equipment to enjoy this space."

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The inspection found that, for the most part the provider had established effective systems and processes, to ensure residents were safeguarded, and protected from abuse, and that their human rights were respected and promoted. However, it found that some improvements of the management systems were required, to ensure consistency across the service. This included ensuring that there is senior management sign off on all monitoring systems, including audits to ensure the regular recording of residents' attendance at activities is in place, and effectively monitored.