An inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) of a HSE-run nursing home based in Munster discovered the early start of an outbreak of infection which resulted in transmission from two residents to 11 residents and five staff.
Inspectors who visited the centre in March were informed that two residents had been unwell and had symptoms of an infection 24-48 hours previously, but they were better.
Following a review of the nursing notes, an immediate action was given to the staff nurse to inform public health that a possible outbreak of infection was in progress.
According to the report the HSE did not follow infection prevention contol guidance.
It also said the care environment and supportive equipment was not managed in a way that minimised the risk of transmitting a healthcare-associated infection.
Two residents experiencing symptoms of infection did not have their own toilet facilities which meant that the virus could easily spread from an infected person to a healthy person.
One member of staff was observed to care for residents without appropriate personal protective equipment.
When the outbreak was confirmed by public health, the inspection found that cleaning staff were not promptly informed that enhanced cleaning was required in the affected area, nor was there timely implementation of an appropriate disinfectant cleaning product.
There was also “incorrect signage” at the entrance to the unit to alert staff and visitors to the appropriate precautions that were required.
The report is one of 50 inspection reports on residential centres for older people published by HIQA today.
Levels of non-compliance varied, with 14 centres non-compliant with three regulations or less, and 10 centres non-compliant with four or more regulations.
As well as the issue of infection control, non-compliance was also identified in other centres which included staffing, governance and management, fire precautions, medicines and pharmaceutical services, healthcare, food and nutrition, residents’ rights and premises.
Where non-compliance with the regulations was identified, providers were required to submit compliance plans to demonstrate how they will make improvements and come into compliance with the regulations.
The HSE has been contacted for a response