Allegations of abuse at nursing home not investigated 

A failure to investigate allegations of abuse at a Southside nursing home was among several concerning findings of a recent inspector’s report.  

Cherry Orchard Hospital in Ballyfermot has failed an unannounced Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspection in 11 out of 20 categories.   

The centre, which comprises of 113 continuing elderly care beds, is registered to provide 24-hour care to male and female residents.   

The HIQA inspectors made an unannounced call to the hospital on Monday, May 27, 2024.  

According to their report, during this inspection, “a calm and comfortable environment” was observed within Cherry Orchard Hospital.   

“The inspectors witnessed the care and activities provided to residents, engaged in conversations with both residents and staff and observed the care environment,” the report said.   

“The residents, who appeared at ease, expressed contentment with the care they received within the centre.   

“The inspectors had the opportunity to meet with all residents, engaging in more detailed conversations with 11 residents and several visitors to gain a deeper understanding of their experience.   

“The majority of feedback from residents was positive, particularly highlighting the profound impact of the staff’s kindness on their well-being.   

“They were particularly pleased with the continuity of care provided by the same staff members, the kindness and attentiveness of the staff, and the regular updates they received about their relative’s care.”  

Residents’ accommodation and living space were laid out over four units, Aspen, Beech, Sycamore, and Willow, within a campus-style setting.   

As part of this inspection, inspectors observed the quality of life and care environment of the 15 residents accommodated in the Sycamore and Willow units.   

The occupied bedrooms in the Sycamore and Willow units were personalised for each resident, containing family photographs and personal belongings.

These bedrooms were clean; however, the vacant rooms and bedrooms in these two units had not been cleaned and maintained.   

“Some of these vacant bedrooms were furnished with the necessary equipment to accommodate residents, such as beds, chairs, and mattresses,” the report said.  

“However, inspectors observed dust and watermarks on the floor, heavily marked and damaged floors, and stained sinks in these registered bedrooms and en-suites.”  

Inspectors arrived early at the centre and observed that the breakfast experience for the residents in the Sycamore and Willow units was not fully supportive of their rights.   

“All residents were served breakfast in bed, and breakfast was served in covered plastic bowls and cups,” according to the report.   

“Staff in the centre told the inspectors that this was to ensure residents’ safety.   

“However, no risk assessment had been carried out to inform a tailored approach based on residents’ individualised needs, and instead, a blanket approach had been taken to all residents, which did not promote a positive mealtime experience.”  

The inspectors also observed that some of the internal fire doors were not closing correctly or had missing intumescent strips.   

This could reduce the effectiveness of the fire door in the even of a fire emergency. This risk had been identified on a previous inspection of the centre.  

Overall, the findings of this inspection and assurances received from the provider immediately after the inspection were that the registered provider of Cherry Orchard Hospital showed a willingness to work towards achieving regulatory compliance and addressing the identified issues in the Sycamore and Willow unit.   

“However, this inspection found that the management oversight of the centre was not fully effective,” the report says.  

“Specifically, the supervision of staff practices and the monitoring of care and services provided to residents were not effective.   

“Improvements were also required in relation to many other aspects of the operation of the designated centre, which will be detailed under the relevant regulations of this report.”  

The report also found that Cherry Orchard Hospital had not taken all reasonable measures to ensure residents were safeguarded and protected from abuse.  

The inspectors said this was as evidenced by the following:   

From a review of 13 residents’ files for whom the registered provider was a pension agent, it was found that six residents had no pension form available to instruct and appoint an agent to manage their pension.   

The forms were poorly completed: seven residents had no person nominated on the form to act as the pension agent, and the forms were not signed.

Some of the forms were dated back to 2020.   

The financial arrangements for residents who had died in the centre were not adequate.

Money was left unaccounted for, and inspectors were not assured that appropriate arrangements had been made to inform the residents’ estate or representatives.  

The hospital had also failed to recognise and respond appropriately to two allegations of abuse received via the complaint process.   

“As a result, there was no investigation into these allegations and no assurance that the concerns raised were managed according to the centre’s safeguarding policy and that appropriate protections were put in place in respect of two residents,” the report said.  

The HSE says it has provided a compliance plan to HIQA in order to address the issues raised in the report.