Gransha hit by funding shortfall

The estimated cost of introducing a raft of improvements at the Evergreen Centre at Gransha is 96,000 and the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) cannot be registered before then.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) has asked WHSCT to produce and implement an action plan in order bring the health care facility up to standard for registration.

WHSCT needs to comply with fire risk recommendations; recommended standards for fire fighting equipment; recommended standards for emergency lighting installation; requirements for fire door checks; provision of fire safety training for staff; periodic inspection and testing of fixed electrical installation recommendations; legionellae risk assessment recommendations; and anti-scald risk assessment recommendations.

RQIA has also requested the removal from use of a water boiler located in a redundant servery; development of suitable health and safety policy and procedures relating to a picture-framing workshop; removal of all redundant equipment and the refurbishment of areas, including all unused soft relaxation rooms, poolroom, kitchen/canteen and all other areas containing surplus equipment.

A review of the staffing levels has also been requested by the authority in order to address the increased dependency needs of service users.

But whilst WHSCT has secured 15,000 per year to boost staffing levels the 81,000 needed to implement the substantial capital works listed above is not there.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said current financial constraints were delaying progress and that the facility will only be registered once funding comes available.

Asked by Foyle SDLP MLA, MP Mark Durkan if his Department would make more money available to WHSCT to implement the required improvements the Minister explained:

The Western HSC Trust has secured 15,000 per annum and has made this available to address the staffing levels.

“There is a requirement to invest over 900K to facilitate the registration of day care facilities across the Trust and the 81k minor capital works costs associated with the Evergreen Centre is part of this.

Due to current financial constraints the minor capital works programme has been delayed but these issues will be progressed as funding becomes available.”

He added: “Registration can proceed as soon as RQIA’s recommendations are demonstrated as having been implemented satisfactorily.”

Responding to criticism over the standard of accommodation at the Gransha facility in January a WHSCT spokesperson said: "The Centre had a pre-registration inspection from the RQIA who oversee compliance with standards relating to both the physical environment and delivery of care.

“The Trust is waiting for formal correspondence from RQIA to confirm full registration and has received no indication when registration may be granted."

"The Greenhaw service will continue to be provided in full and at no time has this service been interrupted or impaired by the move to Gransha Park. The Trust remains committed to providing Day Care Services."