HIQA inspection finds fire safety concerns raised at Mayo nursing home

A Mayo nursing home has been found non-compliant in key areas like fire precaution, training and staff development and infection control. 

Ballinamore House Nursing Home, located in Kiltimagh, which is operated by Raicam Holdings Limited was ordered to make urgent improvements following an unannounced visit in September of this year. 

Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carried out the inspection on September 18, to ensure that residents felt safe in the centre and their human rights were respected and promoted. 

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While residents told the inspector they were “happy” and “safe” in Ballinamore House Nursing Home the recently released report found several shortcomings that posed potential risks to health and safety.

Immediate action was issued to the Kiltimagh based nursing home when the inspector observed fire safety issues. Two large comfort chairs, wheelchairs, and hoists were stored along some corridors in the centre, which potentially blocked fire escape routes. The report found that the arrangements “posed a significant risk that a timely and safe evacuation in the event of a fire emergency would not be possible.”

The nursing home was too found non-compliant under training and staff development. The report found that twelve staff had not undergone refresher training and were out of date with adult safeguarding.

Additionally, the report found no compliance regarding infection control. The report found that hand hygiene, disposal of clinical waste and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required a review to ensure that all residents are safeguarded from cross-infection.

Despite these shortcomings, residences told inspectors that “food is good” and “they [staff] help when I ask.”

In response to their shortcomings found during the inspection, Ballinamore House Nursing Home submitted a compliance plan to HIQA, including refresher training and new signage to ensure fire escapes are kept clear.