RQIA take action following inspection at carehome in Derry-Londonderry

By Q Radio News

Concerns have been raised at a Derry-Londonderry carehome following a recent inspection at the site.

Greenhaw Lodge Care Centre houses 39 pensioners, however a number of issues have been raised about the safety of the facility.

In a statement, a RQIA spokesperson said:

“During a recent routine inspection of Greenhaw Lodge Care Centre, RQIA identified serious issues, with the potential to affect the health and wellbeing of its 39 elderly patients. RQIA was also concerned about the fitness of the premises, and the governance and management arrangements at this nursing home.

Following our inspection, we directed the management of Greenhaw Lodge to carry out a number of specialist tests, which have confirmed concerns about the quality of the water supply.  This, together with the significant repairs required to the water system which extends throughout the home, means that patients will have to be relocated to protect their safety, health and wellbeing while remedial works are carried out. 

Yesterday, a Justice of the Peace approved RQIA’s request that, as a condition of registration, alternative accommodation is provided for every patient, until works to fully address the concerns at this home are completed.

RQIA is currently liaising with the Western Trust and Greenhaw Lodge  management to make sure that families and their loved ones are fully informed of the circumstances leading to this action at this difficult time.  It is our expectation that the management of Greenhaw Lodge  and the Western Trust engage with families on choices that need to be made.”

RQIA was established to monitor and regulate the quality of health and social care services  delivered in Northern Ireland, and provides independent and professional assurance about the quality of care provided.  We place the safety, health and wellbeing of patients and residents at the front and centre of all our work.

Details of RQIA’s enforcement action at Greenhaw Lodge Care Centre is available at: www.rqia.org.uk/inspections/enforcement-activity/current-enforcement-activity/