HIQA statement on risk-based infection prevention and control inspections of rehabilitation and community inpatient healthcare services

Date of publication:

Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published four inspection reports on compliance with infection prevention and control in rehabilitation and community inpatient healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk-based inspections were carried out in September and October 2020 at: 

  • Lisdarn Transitional Care Facility, Co Cavan
  • Rivermeade Unit, St Patrick’s Community Hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
  • Fermoy Welfare Home, Co Cork
  • Castlecomer District Hospital, Co Kilkenny.

All four of the services had a COVID-19 preparedness plan in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak and had assurance processes in place for monitoring and auditing performance.

Three services had governance, management arrangements, systems and processes in place for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. Governance structures and arrangements in Lisdarn Transitional Care Facility require review to ensure that those accountable and responsible for the service can maintain adequate oversight of the centre. 

Three services had systems in place to identify and manage risk in relation to the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. Management need to review risk management practices in Fermoy Welfare Home.

Uptake of influenza vaccine among healthcare workers had increased in three services. This was identified as an area for improvement in Rivermeade Unit, St Patrick’s Community Hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon.

Antimicrobial stewardship activities were developed in three services. Governance oversight of antimicrobial stewardship activities at Fermoy Welfare Home require review. In all services, staff were up to date with infection prevention and control training and had access to a suite of infection prevention and control policies, procedures and guidelines. 

Infrastructural design and layout issues were noted in all four services, such as multi-occupancy rooms which had the potential to impact on infection prevention and control measures. The general environment and equipment in areas inspected in all services were clean with some exceptions. 

Note to Editor:

  • The rehabilitation and community inpatient healthcare services inspection programme monitors compliance against the National Standards for Infection Prevention and Control in Community Services. The focus of inspection is on governance and risk management structures and measures to ensure the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • HIQA has developed a Guide to HIQA’s targeted monitoring programme against the National Standards for Infection Prevention and Control in Community Services in rehabilitation and community inpatient healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020 which can be viewed at www.hiqa.ie.