Inspector concern at safety of disabled people in HSE facility

The State's health watchdog is concerned about the safety and quality of services for residents at a centre for people with intellectual disabilities run by the Health Service Executive.

In an investigation of St Peter’s Services, Co Westmeath, inspectors found it failed to comply with all 10 standards it was measured against such as health, safety and general welfare.

Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) officials highlighted unexplained bruising of residents, a lack of trained staff and poor access to meaningful activities.

Key findings in its report include: Unexplained bruising and pressure sores (which required immediate medical treatment) that were not notified to authorities. Residents left the centre on just four days over a two-week period. There was no evidence they did meaningful tasks or recreation on a regular basis. Governance and management systems at the centre were “weak and ineffective” and failed to pick up on deficits in care.

The unannounced inspection took place last November in two community houses which are home to 10 residents. They form part of a larger centre operated by the HSE in Co Westmeath.

Hiqa met local HSE management four days after the inspection to outline the “immediate and sustained action” required to ensure safe and effective care for residents.

Inspectors concluded that the lack of meaningful activity was probably because staff did not have the knowledge and training needed to support residents, particularly those with challenging behaviour.

In addition, the authority was concerned about patients’ dignity. For instance, while there was assistive equipment to enable residents to use the bathroom, inspectors said residents were often forced to use commodes. Screening for this was insufficient and not always used.

In one communal bedroom there was no personal lighting. This meant overhead lighting was used at night, even though residents went to bed at different times.

While each house was kept in a good repair, inside and out, inspectors said there was not enough space to meet the needs of some residents.

In response, management of the centre told Hiqa there were plans to build new accommodation which would reduce the numbers sharing rooms and improve privacy and dignity.

It also pledged to review complaints procedures and ensure residents received appropriate support and therapy.