Policies

Safety:

The safety of the Resident is of paramount importance to us. Residents are advised to   ask a member of staff or alternatively use the call bell to seek assistance.

Fire:

We have installed the very latest fire alarm system by Focus Fire (Pat O’Reilly). Aras Mhuire has Policies and Procedures in place in relation to fire safety, and Focus Fire conduct regular checks, and maintenance of all fire equipment, detailed in our Fire Book. All staff also attend annual fire training, and all residents, visitors are orientated to our fire exits and equipment via emergency lighting/ exit signs/ fire equipment signs. The nearest fire service is in Listowel.

If the alarm bell rings continuously at any time of the day or night, this is not a test. Residents are requested to follow staff instructions in this instance. Staff will be on hand to assist.

Emergency Situations:

Emergencies can occur in any environment, and Aras Mhuire have Policies and Procedures in place to ensure the safe management of any emergency situation. Staff are trained to respond to emergency situation, ensuring the safety of residents, staff and visitors at all times

Staff will be on hand to assist if required.

If residents discover other scenarios/ circumstances which pose a risk to residents/ staff, please inform nearest staff member immediately.

Policies that govern our practice

As a provider of high quality nursing care we welcome the ‘National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland’ 2007. These standards will help to consolidate existing good practice whilst also identifying areas for development. A copy of the standards can be obtained from Health Information and Quality Authority, Social Services Inspectorate, 1301 City Gate, Mahon, Cork. Other National Policies such as Health Act 2007 as well as local HSE policies govern our daily practices.

Comments/ Compliments and Complaints Procedure:

We are interested in your feedback to ensure that our service is continually reviewed and refined in line with best practice and resident choice. There are a number of ways in which views can be shared and resident can participate in the consultation process. You may also nominate a family member, friend or advocate acting on your behalf, and we will of course check that they have your permission. We take all comments seriously and will aim to respond to your query as soon as possible.

 

Complaints Procedure

Aras Mhuire Nursing Home welcomes all comments, complaints and compliments.

  • Complaints Procedures

We encourage residents and their families to voice any issues/concerns/

complaints they may have. Our complaints policy and procedure is prominently displayed within the home. We have procedures to try and deal with any issues/complaints in-house initially and locally but if we are unable to resolve the issue locally or the resident is not satisfied with the reply, a resident may avail of the independent appeals process or residents are also free to contact the office of the ombudsman in order to appeal a complaints decision that they are not satisfied with.

We also provide one resident advocate in Aras Mhuire who is available to assist residents in making a complaint, advise you in regards to your rights and can also make a complaint on your behalf at your request. All issues/complaints are dealt with in a professional and confidential manner. There is also provision in the home to make complaints anonymously if that is the preference by placing a complaint in writing into the sealed suggestion box located in the relaxation room in Aras Mhuire Nursing Home.

  • Independent Appeals Process

Where the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of their complaint then an independent appeals process is available.

The independent review timeframe is three months. The complainant should seek an appeal within 30 days of receipt of the final investigation findings. Residents have access to an independent appeals person on the understanding that this individual is not influenced by the original complaint and can conduct their own investigation and not be biased. This person is NOT the nominated person to deal with complaints.

Patient advocates are also available to all residents of Aras Mhuire Nursing Home to:

  • Assist the resident in making a complaint.
  • Make a complaint on the resident’s behalf at the resident’s request.
  • Advise the resident of their right of appeal.
  • Inform the resident of the independent appeals process.
  • Residents are also free to contact the office of the Ombudsman/HSE in order to appeal a complaints decision that they are not satisfied with.

Nominated Complaints Person                        

Tricia Joy

Director of Nursing

Aras Mhuire Nursing Home,

Greenville,

Listowel,

Co. Kerry

info@arasmhuirenursinghome.com

068-21470

 

The CNM, Catherine Walsh, will review all complaints at the end of each month to ensure the Aras Mhuire complaints policy was followed.

 

Independent Appeals Person

Mairead Devine

068-21010

Office Of The Ombudsman

18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2

Lo-call: 1890 223030

Tel: 01 639 5600

Fax: 01 639 5674

ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie