Nursing unit suspends admissions as model of care unclassifiable

Commenting on the Slievemore Nursing Unit, Western Trust Director of Primary Care and Older People, Alan Corry Finn,said: “The Trust has now engaged formally for a second time with the RQIA in relation to Slievemore. As a result admissions will continue to be suspended to the Unit as agreed with RQIA.

He continued: “RQIA have not expressed any concerns in relation to the quality of nursing care currently delivered at Slievemore Nursing Unit. However, the model of care being delivered cannot be registered under any of RQIA’s registration classifications.

“As a result of the requirements of registration being applied by RQIA, the Trust must consider alternative options on how and where the service currently provided at Slievemore Nursing Unit is delivered.”

The Slievemore Unit is an 18 bedded unit providing specialist services for people with dementia who present with challenging behaviour.

Mr Corry Finn continued: “The Trust would like to assure patients and their families at the Unit that it is the Trust’s intention that services for people with dementia and particularly those who present with challenging behaviour will continue to be provided in future.

“The Trust will now undertake to engage and consult with patients, relatives, staff and their representatives to take this forward and discuss options for how this service is now provided in future.”

“Any proposals put forward will take into account the Trust’s review of Older Peoples Mental Health Services for both inpatient and community services and will be in line with the strategic direction laid out in the NI Dementia Strategy.”