HIQA finds Newbrook ‘nice place to live’ and seeks fire safety improvements
The verdict that Newbrook Nursing Home on Ballymahon Road, Mullingar is “a nice place to live” was expressed by a Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspector who carried out an unannounced inspection of the facility in February of this year, and whose report has just been published.
The inspector noted that the residents are supported to have a good quality of life and have many opportunities for social engagement and meaningful activities.
However, the inspector commented on deficiencies in fire safety and infection control management.
Newbrook, a two-building facility registered to accommodate up to 119 residents including those with dementia, intellectual or physical disabilities, acquired brain injury, or in need of palliative and convalescent care, had 117 residents on the day of inspection.
Inspectors spent the day speaking with 12 residents and four visitors, observing staff interactions and daily routines.
“All interactions observed were person-centred and courteous. Staff were responsive and attentive without any delays with attending to residents’ requests and needs. Residents spoke of exercising choice and control over their day and being satisfied with activities available. Residents told inspectors they could approach any member of staff if they had any issue or problem to be solved,” the report read, adding that even residents with dementia, while unable to fully express their views, appeared relaxed and content in staff company.
The report commended the well-designed layout of communal areas – including dining rooms, day rooms, therapy spaces, a hair salon, and a chapel – balanced with accessible and homely interior finishes that support infection prevention.
The many personal touches in bedrooms, such as photographs and ornaments, further underscored a welcoming atmosphere. Inspectors noted clean, well-lit and warm spaces, though some carpets in the Lodge were damaged and had not been steam-cleaned following a recent infection outbreak.
On capacity and capability, the inspection found Newbrook was generally well-managed with a clearly defined leadership structure comprising the provider, regional operations manager, person in charge, and supporting directors of nursing and clinical nurse managers. At the time of inspection, staffing levels were deemed adequate, and the centre had improved weekend cleaning coverage in response to a previous inspection, resulting in high environmental hygiene standards observed during the visit.
Infection prevention and control were supported by designated link practitioners who had completed specialised training and oversaw routine audits on hand hygiene, waste management, and environmental cleaning. Staff handled recent infection outbreaks – including two in early 2025 – effectively, with timely reporting and control measures. However, HIQA found the absence of a centralised record for residents colonised with multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) such as CPE, ESBL and VRE. That gap hindered trend monitoring and risk management. Inspectors also found several residents with known MDRO colonisation were not properly documented, placing them at potential risk.
Fire safety shortcomings were also the source of comment. Inspectors discovered holes in fire-rated walls and ceilings in high-risk zones, with, they said, inadequate materials or poor workmanship potentially compromising smoke and fire containment.
The provider responded with a compliance plan, committing to review and implement comprehensive fire safety policies, including strengthening the fire register and conducting necessary repairs. They also pledged to improve documentation practices, specifically regarding resident infection and MDRO status.