Dementia unitadmissions cut

ADMISSIONS to the Slievemore dementia unit in Londonderry have been suspended after a Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) inspection raised concerns about the model of provision but not the quality of nursing care.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said alternative options are being considered for the 18 bed unit that provides specialist services for people with dementia who present with challenging behaviour and is currently used by 10 patients.

He stated: “The RQIA carried out an inspection of Slievemore Nursing Unit in early January 2013. They raised concerns in relation to the model of service provision and consequently also the registration status and environmental requirements for the facility.

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“Given these concerns it has been decided to suspend admissions to the Unit. The concerns raised by RQIA are not in relation to the quality of nursing care being provided.

“The Trust will now consider alternative options as to how and where the service currently provided at Slievemore Nursing Unit is delivered and will undertake to engage and consult with patients, relatives, staff and their representatives on the way forward.”

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