Two residential centres for older people in Donegal have been found to be compliant following inspections into their use of restrictive practices.
The inspections were carried out at St Eunan’s Nursing Home outside Letterkenny in April, and Carndonagh Community Hospital in May.
In both cases, the inspectors found residents enjoyed a good quality of life where the culture, ethos and delivery of care were focused on reducing or eliminating the use of restrictive practices.
The full report on St Eunan’s Nursing Home can be accessed HERE
The full report on Carndonagh Community Hospital can be accessed HERE
HSE Statement:
HSE West and North West welcomes the publication of a report by Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) following its inspection of Carndonagh Community Hospital, Donegal on the 1st of May 2025.
This was an unannounced Restrictive Practice, thematic inspection the purpose of which is to drive quality improvement.
The designated centre is located in Carndonagh town and has three units, Elm Ward, Oak Ward and Ard Aoibhinn, which is a dementia-specific unit. Residents’ accommodation comprised of both single and multi-occupancy bedrooms.
The inspector noted that “overall, the feedback from residents was positive, and many residents expressed contentment with the exceptional care they received in this centre. Residents commented that they were happy living in this centre and that the care provided to them was exceptional.”
The inspector observed “that there was a palpable sense of joy among residents as they connected with staff members, which was reflective of a supportive environment”. Overall, this was a well-run centre, and residents were made central to the organisation of the centre.
The registered provider had systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service delivered to residents, such as audit programmes. Audits that were reviewed included key areas, such as care planning, review of restrictive practices, falls and medication management. There was a low -level use of restrictive practices in this centre, and staff practices indicated that the policy on the use of restrictive practices was implemented.
The inspector noted that “the staff in this centre were well established and had a commendable level of knowledge about residents.”
The overall judgement was that the centre achieved full compliance with the inspector stating that “residents enjoyed a good quality of life where the culture, ethos and delivery of care were focused on reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices.”
