Mayo hospital had no pharmacist for more than three years

Swinford District Hospital has been found to be partially compliant with two national standards by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). 

This means that deficiencies were identified that are not currently presenting significant risks but may present moderate risks, which could lead to significant risks for people using the service over time if not addressed.

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The 40-bed facility had an announced inspection on November 12 and 14 last. It provides step down facilities for patients discharged from Mayo General Hospital who require a further period of convalescence before being discharged home or being identified as requiring a Long Stay Bed in a Community Nursing Unit.

The areas identified for improvement included the lack of a pharmacist for more than three years. This raised potential issues in medication safety governance. 

HIQA notes that  “best practice suggests that medications should be dispensed by a pharmacist and should only be undertaken by a nurse or midwife in exceptional circumstances. While the absence of a pharmacist in the hospital is recognised as an exceptional circumstance, the prolonged vacancy and the need for more timely implementation of alternative arrangements by Community Healthcare West (CHW) highlight areas for improvement in responsiveness.”

It also identified “the absence of a dedicated medical social worker and occupational therapy staff impacted the hospital’s capacity to accept certain referrals, potentially leading to delayed discharges.”

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Improvements in governance were also called for as “inconsistencies in committee meetings and documentation, as well as informal communication practices, indicated opportunities for more robust governance structures.” 

Overall, the hospital was judged to be substantially compliant with seven national standards, compliant with two national standard and partially compliant with two national standards.

HIQA also stated that “it was evident that hospital management and staff promoted a culture of kindness, consideration, and respect for people accessing and receiving care at the hospital. This was demonstrated through respectful interactions, patient-centred care, and efforts to accommodate patient preferences.”