Issues of serious concern were found in an inspection of a North Kerry nursing home.
The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an unannounced inspection at Lystoll Lodge Nursing Home in Listowel, on January 14th of this year.
HIQA's report says non-compliance in some areas were of such serious concern, that three urgent action plans and one immediate action plan were issued to the provider of the nursing home.
However, the experience of nursing home residents was described positively by the inspector and the residents themselves.
The HIQA inspector found improvements were required in the areas of supervision, training and infection control.
The inspector noted not all staff had received mandatory infection control training, ten months after the beginning of the pandemic.
HIQA also found that on the day of inspection, Clinical Nurse Managers (CNM) were left in charge in the absence of senior managers, but they had little time for management duties as they also had to work as nurses during their shift.
The inspector observed most staff adhered to infection control guidelines, but a number of serious breaches were seen.
Urgent action plans were issued for the home's infection control processes, staff training and the records of same, as well as governance and management.
An immediate action plan was issued for the inadequate preparation of a room for a new admission.
The report stated the home remains on a pathway to regulatory compliance, but continuous improvement, supervision and oversight is required on the part of the provider.
The report says feedback from residents was generally positive, they were chatty and informed, and interacted well with each other.
One resident said they felt safe due to confidence in the staff, and residents were heard laughing and joining in a quiz.
The inspector observed kind and patient staff interactions with residents, and the residents confirmed their care was very good.
