‘Kind and respectful’ staff and ‘person-centred’ approach at Portiuncula praised

Extensive praise for staff, quality of care, and the “person-centred approach” encountered by HIQA during an unannounced inspection of Portiuncula Nursing Home, Multyfarnham was contained in the report by the HIQA inspectors.

The inspectors, on their visit on March 11 of this year, met with a number of residents, who they found to be complimentary about their life and the services in the centre. Residents told the inspectors they enjoyed living at Portiuncula and they “felt safe”.

The report stated that residents gave positive feedback and were complimentary about the person in charge, staff and the care provided.

The inspectors also spoke with visitors, who were complimentary of the service and care provided.

The report continued: “Inspectors observed that staff were kind and respectful in their approach to providing care and support. Residents were consulted and offered choices regarding their care, and a person-centred approach was taken into account by staff. Each member of staff was knowledgeable and aware of residents’ care needs and preferences. Residents appeared relaxed and comfortable in the presence of staff.”

The inspectors were also impressed with the location, beside the Franciscan friary, noting that residents can enjoy views of the surrounding area and green fields.

Two meal times were observed by inspectors: “Meal-times were well organised and were a social occasion for many residents who enjoyed dining and chatting. Residents told the inspectors that they looked forward to attending the dining room and meeting other residents as part of their day.”

The inspectors noted that staff provided “support and discreet assistance” in the dining room and were observed sitting beside and interacting with residents, which was in keeping with the social aspect of meal time.

They also noted that the majority of residents took part in social activities being carried out in the communal room on the day of the inspection, and commented as well that residents, visitors were made welcome.

The inspectors had some concerns about night-time staffing levels at the centre, and identified some gaps in mandatory training for staff, as well as expressing concern that the oversight of fire safety at the centre was “not robust”.

Responding, management at Portiuncula said since the inspection, it has increased staff levels, reviewed training and provided training in a number of fields; it has also attended to fire safety measures.