Inver 3, Holywell Hospital - 31 July and 1 August 2012

5.0 Additional Concerns Noted by Inspectors
Ward Environment
The staff toilets were accessed through the patients’ toilet and the windows
opened onto the patients’ garden area. This is unsuitable. Staff had requested
that a partition be erected to provide for privacy. Inspectors were informed that
plans have been agreed to relocate staff WCs to an area off the link corridor
to the ward.
Patient toilet had a strong odour of stale urine. The ward has recently been
refurbished with new flooring and plumbing installed. This had failed to solve
the problem. Inspectors were informed that the works docket had not been
signed off and contractors had been asked to return to find a permanent
solution to the problem. There was also evidence of a leak in the ceiling of the
main assisted bathroom.
There was ripped flooring at the doorway from the ward to the dining area.
This is hazardous particularly given the level of mobility impairment in several
of the patients.
Inappropriate usage of patients’ bathroom to store wheelchairs.
Four of the patients on the ward were diabetic and it was noted that the
vending machine had no low sugar options that would be suitable for those
patients. Staff had previously raised this issue with the suppliers.
Restrictions
In relation to one patient (discussed during inspection feedback) RQIA
suggested a range of safeguarding provisions and requested feedback once
completed.
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