Hiqa report finds flies and privacy among issues at Cork nursing home

Issues with flies, staff training, and resident’s privacy were found in a Hiqa report into a Fermoy nursing home, which also found a lack of space in bedrooms.

HSE-operated Fermoy Community Hospital was found compliant in nine areas, substantially compliant in six, and not compliant in one. The overall feedback from residents was that they were happy living in the centre and that staff were professional and kind.

However, there was insufficient space in several rooms for residents to store personal possessions, with the inspector noting: “The single style wardrobes were seen to be packed tightly, in some cases, and could not be closed. Staff said that, in most cases, family members would take away clothes each season.”

Personal items such as, books, toiletries, and ornaments were stored on bed tables, window sills, and locker tops, “adding a cluttered look to the rooms”, the inspector added. He also saw laundry that was awaiting collection by families was stored in bags hanging on hooks next to each bed, as there was no space in wardrobes.

Additionally, some rooms had little space for privacy, which was particularly evident when some residents were in bed and others had visitors. Staff said that this was particularly challenging at times of personal care, stating that relatives would be asked to leave at these times.

Leads for electric mattresses were extending out at the end of the beds, which was a trip or entanglement hazard. An old fridge and a range of other items were stored in a newly-developed relaxation room for residents, indicating a lack of suitable storage space.

The centre had an issue with flies, with a ceiling-mounted fly-catcher in use, which the inspector said “did not provide a solution to the issue”.

A complaint was made in September 2023, and fly screens were proposed for the windows, which had yet to be installed.

There was insufficient evidence that the required weekly check of the fire alarm system was completed, and a large gap was noted, between June and November 2024, in the records made available.

Additionally, not all required training was up to date, which was a repeat finding. Multiple staff were beyond their three-year timeframe (set by the centre) to complete training, including one staff member who had not done fire training since 2020.

The provider assured Hiqa that training has been scheduled for all employees, and that scheduled fire checks will happen every week.