A Health Service Executive nursing home with 147 residents failed to properly investigate allegations of elder abuse of residents by a nurse, according to the report of an independent inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority.
It says there were 'serious shortcomings' in the way the allegations concerning St Joseph's Community Nursing Unit in Trim, Co Meath, were dealt with and HIQA was not notified of the issues within the required timeframe.
The HSE says a detailed action plan has been developed in response to the findings.
It says that any allegations that may arise in the future will be managed in a thorough and robust manner and in accordance with HSE policies and legislative requirements.
The executive added that this is the first inspection of the home and the findings are challenging but represent a significant opportunity for learning.
A week before a scheduled inspection of the home on 23 September, HIQA was notified of three allegations of abuse of residents.
The report says the person in charge of the home did not investigate the allegations in a timely manner in accordance with HSE policy.
Relatives had not been informed and the only people interviewed were the person making the allegation and the staff member named.
No immediate protection measures for residents were introduced.
HIQA says that a subsequent action plan prepared by the home to deal with the protection of residents from abuse was unsatisfactory, as the nurse at the centre of the abuse allegations remained on duty.
The nurse was put on administrative leave on 5 November last, following two further incidents of alleged abuse, which HIQA says it was not notified about, despite requirements under nursing home regulations.
HIQA has made a complaint to An Bord Altranais about the fitness to practise of the nurse.
In its written response to the inspection, management at the home said the concern raised in relation to the supervision of the staff member and informing residents during the investigation has been rectified.
A new policy adopted in November now ensures all complaints are recorded and addressed.
The HIQA inspectors found that there was poor leadership and management in the nursing home, which directly impacted on the care of residents.
The management of general complaints was unsatisfactory, with no supporting documentation to prove that some investigations had taken place.
There was a lack of management supervision at night and an over-reliance on agency staff at the home.
The working patterns and rostering of staff did not always ensure continuity of care or maximise safety and staff levels did not always address the needs of residents.
