Lismore's St Carthage's House gets positive review from HIQA

St Carthage's House received a generally positive report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

The centre was inspected in May 2024.

The staff at the Lismore nursing home were commended for their work and professionalism. 

According to the report: "Residents informed inspectors that the staff "are marvellous, you could not get better, and they are always in good form". 

Another resident informed inspectors that the staff "are better than my own family" and confirmed there was a "lovely matron".

"Residents were observed relaxing and reading newspapers in the visitors' lounge, engaging in musical activity in the large day room, while others relaxed in their bedrooms, reading papers, books and magazines in line with their preferences."

While the centre was generally clean and in good repair, some areas required maintenance and cleaning to ensure the residents could enjoy a safe and pleasant living environment.

The premises were described as lacking in several requirements in serving the residents, including a missing shower head and hose in one flat, lack of a hand-washing basin in a bedroom and signs of wear and tear on decor in some areas. 

The report stated: "The centre did not have appropriate sluicing facilities."

The centre was deemed "substantially compliant" regarding infection control, with concern being pointed towards laundry practices, storage of items and sluicing premises. 

The report also flagged the fire precautions of the centre, stating that they needed a review due to potential hazards, "as transport wheelchairs and laundry trolleys were observed being permanently stored on the corridors along fire exit routes."