A HIQA inspection of Dungarvan Community Hospital has found the facility was non-compliant in two areas, relating to premises and governance and management.

However, inspectors also praised the standard of care provided to residents, with the hospital found to be substantially compliant in infection control.

An unannounced inspection of the HSE-run facility took place on July 27th and 28th, with 90 residents living at the hospital at the time.

Inspectors found that four bedrooms lacked dedicated handwashing sinks for residents, while damaged flooring in a large number of bedrooms made effective cleaning difficult.

Concerns were also raised over housekeeping arrangements, with some bedrooms in Michael’s Unit not cleaned for three days due to staff leave.

These issues contributed to findings of non-compliance in premises and governance and management, with some concerns having been highlighted during previous inspections.

However, the report described Dungarvan Community Hospital as a well-managed centre providing high-quality care.

Inspectors also found the hospital substantially compliant with infection control requirements, while staffing, healthcare, food and nutrition, and residents’ rights were all rated compliant.

The HSE has outlined measures to address the shortcomings, including improved housekeeping arrangements and planned refurbishment works.

And in a positive reflection of life at the hospital, residents praised the kindness and patience of staff, with one telling inspectors that staff “couldn’t be nicer.”