Newtownabbey councillor calls for care home inquiry

An Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough councillor has called for an inquiry into how a Glengormley care home has responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Glenabbey Manor. Pic by Google.Glenabbey Manor. Pic by Google.
Glenabbey Manor. Pic by Google.

Last month (May 6) the operator of Glenabbey Manor confirmed to the Newtownabbey Times there had been 14 coranvirus-related deaths at the facility.

Alderman Julian McGrath has voiced concern after hearing of an alleged “small gathering” at the Church Road site on March 25 – three days after the lockdown took effect and 12 days after the home imposed its own lockdown to prevent visitors to the facility.

The complaint has been investigated by RQIA and passed to the PSNI, who deemed no prosecutions necessary.

A statement from Ald McGrath noted there is no suggestion the alleged gathering led to Covid-related deaths, either directly or indirectly.

The Alliance representative said: “If your loved one is in a care home you just want them to be safe. Similarly, if your loved one is going to work on the frontline in a care home, you want them to be protected from the virus.

“Fourteen deaths in any care home should spark an inquiry into what measures were put in place to protect both residents and staff from the virus. This needs to happen.

“I will be writing to Runwood Homes seeking answers to a range of issues brought by constituents, including how well staff were briefed on the seriousness of the situation and what measures were put in place to ensure adherence to the rules.”

He added he will be pursuing this matter to ensure “any issues are addressed immediately by the Department of Health”.

In a statement issued to this paper, an RQIA spokesperson said: “During the pandemic period inspectors from RQIA’s Service Support Team have been in regular contact with Glenabbey Manor residential care home, Newtownabbey to provide support and advice to its management team.

“On April 30 RQIA conducted an unannounced inspection at this home to assess how staff were managing the outbreak and to determine if additional support or resources were required.

“During the inspection we observed that staffing levels were being maintained by staff from the home and staff supplied by the Northern HSC Trust. We observed staff taking time to ensure residents’ needs were met, treating them with kindness, care and compassion. We also noted that staff were following current guidelines on the use of PPE and infection prevention and control measures. A report of RQIA’s inspection findings will be published in early July.

“Prior to the pandemic period, in mid-March Department of Health guidance was issued to all care homes, which included clear direction on restrictions on visitors.

“In May, RQIA received anonymous information in relation to a social gathering at the home which took place in late March. We discussed our concerns with the management of the home and with the local HSC trust in relation to safeguarding, and RQIA reported this matter to the PSNI.

“The safety and wellbeing of every resident at Glenabbey Manor is of paramount importance to RQIA, and we continue to monitor this service through our ongoing regulatory activities.”

Praising the efforts of staff during the coronavirus pandemic, a spokesperson for Glenabbey Manor said: “We can confirm that all staff at Glenabbey Manor received bespoke training and guidance in line with the regional and national guidelines.

“It is very clear that the staff team have worked incredibly hard throughout a difficult time and we commend the team for their hard work and professionalism.

“We would, of course, welcome to meet with Ald Julian McGrath to give the very clear assurances he seeks and again thank the overwhelming support of our staff, residents and relatives at this time.

“It is very reassuring to see the service completely free of the virus and would welcome the political and community support afforded to the NHS to be replicated across care homes and the wider social care sector.”

Commenting on the issue, a PSNI spokesperson said: “During a meeting arranged in May with the RQIA to discuss general issues relevant to care establishments during the Covid-19 pandemic, an incident in respect of a care home in Newtownabbey was reviewed. This related to a complaint made with regard to a gathering on March 25 in the reception area of the care home.

“Following discussion with the regulator, it was deemed the incident did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation. The PSNI also noted the regulator was in discussion with the Health Trust in respect of the matter.

“The care and protection of older persons is a responsibility that we take very seriously. We are aware of concerns raised in relation to various nursing homes during the Covid-19 health crisis and continue to work in partnership with Social Services and the RQIA.”

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