The HSE has moved to address public concerns over patient safety at St Joseph's Hospital in Ennis after HIQA criticised fire safety measures there.
Concerns were raised by the Health Information and Quality Authority over fire safety after what was described as a "critical incident" in March of this year and in a statement to Clare FM, the Health Service Executive has said it's limited in its capacity to comment on this matter as the resident involved has since died.
Welcoming what it describes as HIQA's "routine inspection", the Health Service Executive has acknowledged its findings might cause concern to the relatives of patients at St. Joseph's Hospital.
Regarding the "critical incident" at the Ennis facility in March, the HSE confirmed that on that occasion a resident sustained injuries in an apparent smoking related incident. The resident passed away 6 months later so the circumstances of their death are described as being "within the remit of the county coroner".
Fire safety precautions at St. Joseph's have now been addressed and the inspector confirmed satisfaction with the actions taken including signage changes and the replacement of fire hose reels with fire extinguishers.
The layout and design of the county's main public nursing home was also faulted for inhibiting the privacy and quality of life of over 100 residents there, but the HSE says efforts to comply with modern building standards will have to be taken in the context of a national plan and the limited money available for such works.
Separately councillors in Ennis Municipal District have called on the county's fire chief to prepare a report on the matter.
In a statement to the authority Adrian Kelly says an inspection is due in the short term however it is accepted that extensive upgrade works have been carried out at St Joseph's.
