Inspection report on Kilkenny mental health facility published

The Mental Health Commission has this morning published an inspection report for an inpatient centre in Kilkenny, showing 94% compliance.

The report also documented two moderate non-compliance issues relating to the premises and risk management procedures.

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The inspection was conducted at St Gabriel’s Ward, located in a single-storey building on the grounds of St. Canice’s Hospital in Kilkenny.

The centre is registered to accommodate residents for Continuing Mental Health Care/Long Stay and Psychiatry of Later Life. 

There are 20 registered beds in the centre, and 15 beds were occupied on the day of inspection. 

"In relation to its non-compliance with risk managements, hazards were not adequately minimised in the approved centre," the Mental Health Commission stated.

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"The approved centre had a written operational policy and procedures in relation to risk management, which was last reviewed in April 2022.

"However, during the inspection, radiators and associated pipework were not covered and represented a burn hazard as they were extremely hot to touch.

"This represented a health and safety risk to the centre’s resident cohort. This risk had not been identified by staff prior to the inspection, and hence was not documented in the risk register.

"In terms of corrective and preventative action, funding has been secured to cover radiators and associated pipework in all resident access areas in order to prevent a burn risk to residents.

"Also, a risk assessment form has been completed highlighting the risk of burns to residents from hot radiators and the associated pipework and is now on the unit's risk register."

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Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, commented that it is positive to see centres retaining levels of compliance above 90% year on year.

"It demonstrates a dedication of centres to maintaining a consistent quality patient care," she said.

"These centres highlight how correct protocols and procedures once implemented effectively lead to year-on-year high compliance ratings."