Care home which posed 'serious risk to life' closed
A care home in Enniskillen has been shut after an inspection by the health watchdog.
Last updated 21st Aug 2017
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) visited Ashbrooke Care Home on the Old Tempo Road on Wednesday the 16th of August in response to safegaurding concerns made the day before.
A spokesman says they found systemic failings and concerns in relation to the management of the home which posed a serious risk to the life, health and well-being of the 40 residents and that assurances from the provider were not sufficient to address the risks identified.
Concerns were raised about the care of residents, including personal care issues and weight loss management.
Bad smells were also noted by the watchdog along with defective equipment, fire risks and concerns about staffing and a lack of clarity about management of the home.
Ashbrooke is operated by Runwood Homes, based in Essex. It operates 67 residential care homes across England and Northern Ireland. It was told on Friday the home's registration was being cancelled
In a statement the RQIA's Chief Executive Olive MacLeod said:
"RQIA believes that everyone living in a nursing or residential care home is entitled to the highest standard of care.
"The ongoing safety and wellbeing of every patient and resident at this home is of paramount importance to RQIA.
"We are currently liaising with relevant authorities, including the Western Health and Social Care Trust, to ensure that as a matter of priority, appropriate, alternative care arrangements are put in place for those living at Ashbrooke Care Home in Enniskillen."
In a statement today Runwood Homes said they were not given any prior notice of the enforcement action taken by the RQIA. Adding:
"A previous Unannounced Care Inspection of the Home by RQIA on 15 May 2017 had found that there was evidence of safe delivery of care and no enforcement action resulted from the findings of that inspection.
"There has not, therefore, been any opportunity for Runwood staff to engage with RQIA to address any concerns that they had with regard to the running of Ashbrooke Care Home.
"Runwood are currently working very closely with the Western Health and Social Care Trust and other stakeholders to ensure that care delivery is provided in a person-centred and safe manner throughout this difficult time for Ashbrooke Care Home.
"Ensuring that residents of Ashbrooke Care Home receive high quality nursing and residential care is of utmost importance to us."
Thirty-nine of the 40 residents in the home are clients of the Western Trust.
A spokeswoman said: This is a very difficult situation and time for the residents concerned and their families.
As an interim measure, the trust will work alongside the management of the home to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents which remains the trust's priority.'