Lack of fire riskreview ‘concern’

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “During inspection, whilst there were no issues with the quality of care provided, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) identified concerns regarding the quality of the environment at Slievemore Nursing Unit.

“These included concerns in relation to absence of risk assessments of fire safety, legionella, and asbestos and ligature risks throughout the premises.

“Concerns were also noted in relation to the poor condition of plasterwork and paintwork within the Unit. Bedroom sizes do not meet the current minimum standards.”

Admissions to the 18 bed unit nursing unit were suspended in February because the model of care being delivered cannot be registered under any of the RQIA registration classifications.

The Health Minister has promised that the rights to privacy of patients housed in the nursing unit, which is due to close by May 31, will be respected wherever they are placed.

Mr Poots said the reason it closed was because its model of service provision didn’t differ substantially from that of a nursing home.

“This is based on the inspector’s observations of services provided, daily routines and the fact that nursing care is provided to patients by registered nurses outside of a hospital setting,” he stated.

“The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) Order 2003 requires nursing homes to register with the RQIA.

“The Unit is not currently registered with RQIA,” he added.

Announcing the decision to suspend admissions in February 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.”

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.”

There followed a process of consultation with patients, relatives, staff and trade unions 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.”

Local politicians have expressed concern over the planned closure, SDLP councillor Angela Dobbins said the removal gave the impression that the Greater Shantallow area was being ‘systematically stripped’ of amenities.