Slievemore inspection was first at nursing unit

The inspection was prompted after patients from Gransha Hospital were transferred to the Slievemoe Nursing Unit.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) inspection of Slievemore Nursing Unit in January 2013 was the first inspection of the facility.

“The Slievemore Nursing Unit is an unregistered service. The purpose of RQIA’s inspection was to ascertain the nature and range of services, the quality and safety of service provision, and to advise on appropriate registration in line with relevant legislative obligations.”

The Minister explained the unit was inspected after the RQIA was made aware that the Western Trust was transferring patients from Gransha to a service at Slievemore Nursing Unit.

“RQIA commissioned and undertook its inspection of Slievemore Nursing Unit as it is empowered under The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, at any time to enter and inspect premises which are used by an HSS body or service provider (Article 41),” the Minister said.

Last week the Sentinel reported how the Slievemore inspection found no issues with the quality of care provided but did have concerns about the lack of risk assessments for fire safety, legionella, asbestos and ligature risks

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “During inspection, whilst there were no issues with the quality of care provided, the 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. It is to close by the end of May.