THREE beds out of a capacity of 27 are currently not operational in Ramelton Community Nursing unit due to ongoing Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) fire upgrade works.
The detail was provided to Councillor Ciaran Brogan in response to a question he raised at the latest Regional Health Forum West meeting. Cllr Brogan sought a timeframe for an appraisals process for the proposed refurbishment works for Ramelton Community Nursing Unit in order to comply with HIQA standards.
An unannounced inspection of the facility in August 2022 found fire precautions were not compliant.
Inspectors found that even though improvements were made in relation to the fire safety issues identified on the previous inspection in the centre, the fire stopping of the ceiling, which was considered as an amber rated risk issue by the provider’s competent person, had not been adequately addressed and the actions to address a number of amber rated fire risks had not been completed.
In addition, the provider had failed to inform the Chief Inspector regarding the delays in carrying out the outstanding fire safety works in line with the compliance plan that had been submitted following the previous inspection.
During the inspection, the person in charge informed the inspector that arrangements were made on the day of the inspection to commence the outstanding fire safety works the first week of September 2022.
Cllr Brogan was told there are 27 beds in operation in Ramelton Community Hospital at present, out of a capacity of 30 beds.Three beds are not operational due to ongoing HIQA Fire Upgrade works.
Redecoration works are presently being carried out in hospital in order to meet HIQA Regulation and Standards.
Providing an update on ongoing fire proofing and refurbishment works at the facility, Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) 1, said: “Fire safety upgrading works have been underway in Ramelton on phased basis for the last six months or so. The unit has been operating at reduced capacity during this period in order to facilitate these works.
“The works to the residential accommodation areas of the building are now completed. Currently works remain ongoing in communal areas. Service management are actively managing resident numbers in the context of these works.”
Mr Monaghan added that the project brief for the major capital works is undergoing a final review.
“HSE Capital and Estates will then progress the procurement process for the appointment of a design team, which it is hoped to have completed later this year.”
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