TLC Carton : Nursing Home Resident Choking Risk: Alone for Lunch, Inspector Finds.

The Inspection of TLC Carton Nursing Home in Raheny

The inspection of TLC Carton, located on Tonlegee Road in Raheny, was recently conducted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).

During the inspection, it was noted that information provided to staff by a health and social care provider regarding the positioning of a resident who was at risk of aspiration when receiving food and fluids was not adequately detailed in the residents’ care plan. Additionally, there was no evidence from progress notes reviewed that these instructions were being followed by staff.

The inspectors also found that records showed one resident was isolated for six days with flu-like symptoms before a viral swab was taken.

According to the report, “Inspectors were not assured that staff received appropriate training in relation to the detection, prevention of, and responses to abuse.” It was also highlighted that dedicated training on how to develop safeguarding care plans had not taken place, despite being identified as a requirement from the compliance plan in December 2023.

Furthermore, the report mentioned incidents where residents whose condition had deteriorated were not adequately monitored, leading to delays in receiving necessary treatment from a medical practitioner. For example, one resident went unmonitored for 22 days in January despite ongoing viral outbreaks, only to be found unwell and requiring transfer to a hospital on the 23rd day.

In another concerning incident, a resident who required supervision and assistance during mealtimes was left unsupervised in their room to eat lunch.

During the unannounced inspection in February, it was observed that residents primarily had their meals in their bedrooms. While some residents found the food satisfactory, others reported that their meals were cold by the time they reached their rooms.

Health care assistants were seen attending the dining rooms to receive meals, but there were insufficient staff available to deliver meals and provide timely assistance to residents. Feedback received from a resident indicated reluctance to use the call bell during meal times due to staff busyness.

Fire Safety Concerns at Belmont House Nursing Home in Stillorgan Dublin

In a separate unannounced inspection at Belmont House nursing home in Stillorgan Dublin, significant fire safety concerns were identified.

On the first day of inspection, inspectors found corridors blocked by storing hoists, linen trolleys, and other equipment, obstructing evacuation routes and residents’ access to windows.

An immediate action plan was issued to address the safety concerns, but some corridors remained blocked by the second day of the inspection.

Both nursing homes have agreed to implement action plans to rectify the issues raised during the inspections.