A Waterford Nursing Home HIQA report has identified serious areas of non-compliance at the centre, which is operated by Mowlam Healthcare Services Unlimited Company. Inspectors found high-risk failures in fire safety, healthcare oversight, and governance during an unannounced inspection in September 2025.
While residents spoke positively about staff and day-to-day care, HIQA concluded that unresolved safety risks required urgent action.
Fire Safety Failures Deemed High Risk
HIQA found significant fire safety deficiencies, many of which had been highlighted during previous inspections but remained unresolved. Bedroom fire doors were not fully connected to the fire alarm system, and temporary devices were found to be faulty in several areas.
Inspectors reported that staff could not clearly identify which doors were fire-connected, raising concerns about evacuation in an emergency. HIQA classified these failures as high risk, stating that residents could be placed in danger if a fire occurred.
Concerns Over Healthcare and Clinical Oversight
The Waterford Nursing Home HIQA report also identified failures in clinical care. Inspectors found poor monitoring of pressure ulcers and weight loss, with delayed referrals to specialist services such as dietitians and tissue viability nurses.
In some cases, residents showed clear signs of deterioration, but staff did not escalate concerns or act on assessment results. HIQA said this fell short of evidence-based nursing practice.
Governance and Infection Control Issues
HIQA found that management systems failed to identify and resolve ongoing risks. Quality improvement plans were not implemented, despite known increases in pressure ulcers.
Infection control required further improvement. Inspectors identified unsafe clinical waste disposal and poor equipment hygiene, which increased the risk of infection spread.
Positive Feedback Noted, but Risks Remain
Residents and families reported high satisfaction with staff and said care was delivered with kindness and respect. Staffing levels and training were found to be compliant.
However, HIQA stressed that positive feedback does not offset serious safety and governance failures.
Provider Response
Mowlam Healthcare Services has submitted a compliance plan and committed to addressing the findings. HIQA has set deadlines for compliance, particularly for fire safety and healthcare oversight.
The Waterford Nursing Home HIQA report confirms that sustained action is now required to protect resident safety and ensure regulatory compliance.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.