CLARENBRIDGE NURSING HOME
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Rev : 01/02/2016
INDEX
P1 Introduction
P2 Certificate of Conditions
P2 General Conditions & Capacity
P3 Mission Statement
P4 Governance & Management team
P6 Organisational Structure
P8 Management Team & Staffing
P9 Staff Recruitment
P10 Admission, Discharge & Temporary leave
P11 Services Provided
P12 Facilities to be provided
P14 Categories of Care
P16-19 Layout, Number & size of bedrooms.
P19 Care Plans
P20 Contract of Care
P20 Visiting times & Family Involvement
P21-22 Residents Personal Care & Property
P22 Spiritual Needs
P22-23 Alcohol, Drug & Tobacco Policy
P24 Fire Safety
P24 Complaints Policy
P27 Key policies in Clarenbridge Nursing Home
Page 1 of 27
Statement of Purpose
Review Dec 2015
Certificate of Registration & Conditions & Capacity
Clarenbridge Nursing Home
Ballygariff
Craughwell
Co. Galway
Tel: 091 777700
Registration Number:0764
Date of Reg 03/07/2013
Date of Exp 02/07/2016
Person in Charge: Frances Neilan 091 77 77 00
1. The designated centre Clarenbridge Nursing Home shall be operated at all times in Compliance
with the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People)
Regulations 2013 and the Health Act 2007 (Registration of Designated Centre for Older People)
Regulations 2009 (as amended, consolidated, restated or replaced from time to time) and in
compliance with all other regulations made under the Health Act 2007 as amended from time to time.
2. The designated centre Clarenbridge Nursing Home shall be operated at all times in compliance with
all other legislation, regulations and standards which are applicable to it.
3. The designated centre Clarenbridge Nursing Home shall be operated at all times in accordance with
and shall only provide the services set out in its Statement of Purpose, annexed hereto, as delivered
and amended from time to time in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and
Welfare of residents in designated centres for Older People) regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 415/2013) (as
amended, consolidated, restated or replaced from time to time).
4. No person under the age of 18 years shall be accommodated at the designated centre Clarenbridge
Nursing Home at any time.
5. The maximum number of persons that may be accommodated at the designated centre Clarenbridge
Nursing Home is 56
Page 2 of 27
Introduction
The purpose of this Statement of Purpose is to provide you with the necessary information to decide
on whether Clarenbridge Nursing Home is an appropriate place for your loved one.
The Statement of Purpose is a requirement under The Health Act 2007 & The Care & Welfare
Regulations 2013 & The Registration of Designated Centre for Older Persons Regulations 2009.
General, long-term care is offered to those requiring extended care or those needing some level of
nursing care.
Mission Statement
We aim to provide a homely and caring environment with excellent standards and to provide a high
quality of care to all our residents.
We respect the right of privacy and dignity of each resident.
Our staff will be polite and courteous to residents and their families.
We will continuously endeavour to improve the services we provide.
We respect the dignity and unique worth of each resident, fostering an holistic approach in all aspects
of care.
We are committed to promoting the wellbeing of our residents – socially, physically, psychologically
and spiritually.
The opinion of our residents, their families and visitors is highly valued and we would encourage you
to provide us with feedback that will help us to improve our service. We will endeavour to always
comply with the Health Act 2007, The Care & Welfare Regulations 2013, and The National Quality
Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People In Ireland 2009 & all other relevant legislation
and standards.
Page 3 of 27
Governance & Management
Clarenbridge Nursing Home is a private nursing home whose Providers are: Denis McElligott and Pat
Kennedy.
Name: Mr Denis Mc Elligott
Address: The Windmill Group, Churchtown, Mallow, Cork
Qualifications: R.P.N., R.G.N. BSc Nursing
Relevent Experience: Denis has 30 years’ experience in the healthcare sector. He is a qualified
community psychiatric nurse with experience of management responsibility at Hampton Community
Mental Health Team 1991-1997 (UK). He was Hospital Director of Priory Hospital Group 1997-2002
(London and Woking, UK). He was Person in Charge of Windmill House Nursing Home 2003-2005.
He is the registered provider at Abbot Close Nursing Home and Killeline Nursing Home 2006 – present.
He is the joint registered provider of Ferbane Nursing Home.
Phone:
087 9067664
Email: [email protected]
Name: Mr Pat Kennedy
Address: Windmill, Churchtown, Mallow, Cork
Qualifications: B.B.S, ACMA, CIMP.
Phone: 086 2942737
Email: [email protected]
Experience: Pat has previous experience as the MD of the OSB Group Ltd (construction and interior
fittings), responsible for 120 employees 1994-2004. Pat is the registered provider at Windmill House
Nursing Home (40 beds) 2004-present. He is the registered provider at Abbot Close nursing home (60
Page 4 of 27
beds) 2006-present. Registered provider at Killeline Nursing Home (63 beds) 2007-present. He is the
joint registered provider of Ferbane nursing home.
Key skill and experience: Pat is a qualified accountant with experience in credit control, treasury
management in related financial matters.
The Person-in-Charge / Director of Nursing is:
Name: Frances Neilan
Address: Clarenbridge Nursing Home, Ballygarriff, Craughwell, Galway
Person in Charge/Director of Nursing
Qualifications: R.G.N. RPN. Masters in Health Care Management, BSc Nursing.
Relevant Experience: Frances is a registered general Nurse and also a registered Psychiatric Nurse.
Frances has in excess of 30 years working in healthcare both at clinical level and managerial level. She
has spent the last 15 years working in managerial positions as CEO and Director of Nursing in the
private nursing home sector and as an accreditation manager for the implementation of JCI standards in
the independent hospital sector. Frances has an MSc in Healthcare Management from Trinity College,
Dublin and a Higher Diploma in Gerontology from NUIG in addition to a BSc in Nursing from NUIG.
She has extensive experience in the acute and community sector in the HSE at clinical management
level.
Phone: 091777700 Email: [email protected]
Arrangements for the management of Clarenbridge Nursing Home in the absence of the PIC.
The Clinical Nurse Manager II deputises in the absence of the Director of Nursing and is supported by
a Clinical Nurse Manager I. The CNM II is Ms. Nuala Connolly
Name: Nuala Connolly Address Clarenbridge Nursing Home, Ballygarriff, Craughwell, Galway.
Position: Clinical Nurse Manager II
Page 5 of 27
Qualifications: R.G.N
Experience: Nuala is a Registered Nurse with 12 years nursing. Nuala has particular interest in brain
and spinal rehab and has 6 years’ experience in acute high dependency neurological unit in Guys and
St. Thomas, NHS London. She also worked for two years in Dareth Valley Hospital in Kent as a
respiratory nurse specialist. She maintains her competency in the acute brain injury area by attending
training days and conferences. She has particular responsibility over the Hollylane unit.
Phone: 09177770 Email: info@clarenbridgenursinghome.
Organisational Structure
Clarenbridge Nursing Home has a clearly defined management structure that identifies the lines of
authority and accountability, specifies roles, and details responsibilities for all areas of activity. This
management structure, and details of the complement of staff employed by Clarenbridge Nursing
Home, is detailed in P7
Page 6 of 27
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
Registered Providers
Mr Pat Kennedy & Mr Denis McElligott
Director of Nursing/ Person in Charge
Frances Neilan
Deputy DON Clinical Nurse Manager II
Nuala Connolly
Activities
Co-ordinator
Rev : 01/02/2016
Therapies
Occupational
Therapists&
Physiotherapist
Executive
Chef
Clinical Nurse
Manager I
Chef(s)
Nursing
Staff
Kitchen
Assistant(s)
HCA(s)
Reception, &
Administration
Staff
Housekeeping
Staff &
Maintenance
Management Team & Staffing Compliment
Position
No. Employed
No. of whole time equivalents
Management
Registered Provider
2
2
Director of Nursing
1
1
Clinical Nurse Manager II
1
1
Clinical Nurse Manager I
1
1
Nursing staff – RGN
12
9.6
Health Care Assistants
48
27.62
Executive Chef
1
1
Head Chef
1
1
Kitchen Support
2
2
Administration
3
2.5
Activities
1
1
2
2
Occupational Therapists
2
1.5
Physiotherapists
1
1
House-Keeping Staff
5
3 (1 Snr. Housekeeper)
Porter
1
1
Maintenance
1
.75
Nursing
Catering
Qualified
Practitioners
Rev : 01/02/2016
Sonas
Staff Recruitment
All staff members participate in a planned induction and orientation programme which is comprehensive
and covers all aspects of the care in the centre. Recruitment is specifically geared towards recruiting
staff with the range of skills needed to provide comprehensive care to all our residents. This recruitment
process is supported by a number of in-house specialised training programs to enhance and strengthened
the skills of existing staff. Ongoing training and education is planned and promoted.
Clarenbridge Nursing Home is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All staff are recruited in line with
our recruitment policy and are reference checked before commencing their employment. All staff must
undergo An Garda Siochana vetting. We try to ensure that all of our staff receive the best training
possible to help them to do their jobs properly. Upon commencement of employment with us all new
staff are mentored by senior staff as per policy.
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Admissions, Discharges & Temporary Leave from the Nursing Home
The Director of Nursing is informed of potential residents by referral from hospitals, social workers,
GP’s, HSE or other Nursing Homes.
Admissions to the nursing home are planned and in the case of long term admissions will be preceded
by the DON visiting the prospective resident either in their own home or in hospital to do a pre
assessment on the resident. The prospective resident and/or their family member(s) or representative is
invited to come and visit the nursing home prior to admission. This enables them to get a full
understanding of what is offered on site. Whilst the Registered Provider and/or The Person In Charge
are more than happy to meet with every prospective resident and/or their family to give them a tour of
the facility we would ask that people make an appointment if they wish to meet the DON or CNM to
ensure they are available to meet with them.
Where it is considered that Clarenbridge Nursing Home is not suitable for the resident, this will be
communicated to the referral authority or family of the outcome of the assessment.
Where the Director of Nursing/CNM considers that Clarenbridge Nursing Home is suitable to meet the
potential resident needs, details of the resident’s preadmission assessment are communicated to the
nursing staff.
When a bed becomes available in Clarenbridge Nursing Home, the Director of Nursing/Deputy will
communicate to their family and/or referral authority.
We reserve the right to refuse admission to the nursing home in certain circumstances. Examples of
such circumstances are if the person poses a risk to the safety and welfare of other residents, our staff
or visitors or inability to meet the cost of their care.
Emergency admissions will only take place when absolutely necessary. Emergency admissions will be
informed about key aspects of the services as per a normal admission within 48 hours of admission.
All admissions & discharges of residents will be carried out in line with our admission and discharge
policy and procedure.
If a long term Resident transfers from Clarenbridge Nursing Home to go to another facility or leaves
to be cared for at home we request a month’s notice where possible. Should a Resident leave without
giving prior notice they will remain liable to pay 2 weeks’ notice.
The nursing home reserves the right to terminate this agreement if there is a relevant matter relating to
the Resident that has not been disclosed by them prior to admission.
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Services Provided
Short Term Convalescence /Rehabilitation Care/ Respite
Clarenbridge Nursing Home is approved by all the major health Insurance companies. Medical and
Post Surgery Rehabilitation care is provided through a range of support services tailored to each
patient’s needs. Our in house Physiotherapist does an assessment post-surgery. The full time
physiotherapist assesses the patients mobility needs and develops a plan of care for rehabilitation.
Short Term Respite Care
We provide respite care that gives both family, carers and residents, the chance to take a break for a
short period. This can be planned ahead or provided at short notice. Funding for respite care is
provided either privately, or on contract through the HSE.
General Long Term Care
General long-term care is offered to those requiring maximum level of assistance with activities of
daily living. Funding for long-term care can be accessed through the Nursing Home Support Scheme
(Fair Deal) or privately. Our range of activities and rehabilitation services are therapeutic and aim to
enhance each person’s quality of life promoting wellbeing.
Acquired Brain and Spinal Care
Residents admitted with Acquired Brain injury are assessed and a plan of care developed to meet their
needs with the input from the clinical nurse manager specialising in ABI and spinal care in
conjunction with the onsite physiotherapy and full time Occupational therapist.
Intellectual Disability
Residents admitted with moderate intellectual disability, are assessed and a plan of care developed to
meet their needs. Nurses qualified in Intellectual Disability will be involved in the development of the
care plan in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.
Psychiatry
Residents admitted for long term care with a diagnosed and managed psychiatric history will have a
plan of care developed in conjunction with the community psychiatric team. Nurses qualified in
psychiatry will be involved in the care plan in conjunction with the physio and occupational therapist.
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The facilities which are to be provided by the registered provider to meet care and support
needs
A modern spacious nursing home located in a tranquil area with mature gardens. The Nursing Home is
bright with inviting public spaces with intimate dining, recreational and therapeutic facilities. The
building is designed around a secure internal courtyard where some bedrooms have their own private
garden space. Our rooms are spacious, bright and furnished to a very high standard. Each room offers
luxury, comfort and the peace of mind knowing that nursing and care staff are there for you 24 hours a
day.
All Residents are invited to personalise their rooms as they so wish to make it truly a home away from
home.
Facilities provided

Oratory

Hairdressing

Dietician

Chiropodist

Speech and Language therapy

Dentist and Optician

Skype and Internet

Multi-channel TV

Two Occupational Therapists and a Physiotherapist are employed at Clarenbridge Nursing Home and
have an integral role in the rehabilitation and wellbeing of each resident. The therapists are involved in
the multidisciplinary team and contribute to the residents care plans.

Residents will benefit from Physiotherapy at different stages of their stay here in Clarenbridge Nursing
Home and all residents are assessed for mobility on admission.
Clarenbridge Nursing Home also has;






Nurse Call System in all rooms
HIQA registration
VHI registration
Internal Courtyard with landscaped gardens
Television in each room (optional)
Ample Car-parking
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 Access to Computer, WIFI internet & skype
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Closed Circuit Television is in use in common areas such as day
rooms and dining rooms as well as in the corridors,kitchen, stair ways and the reception area.
CCTV is also in use at the front gate and the surrounding grounds.
The use of CCTV is for the safety of our residents and is for security purposes. Please note that CCTV
is not in use in private areas such areas where there is classified data such as the Clinical room, in
bedrooms or in any ensuite or bathroom.
There are two CCTV screens within the Nursing Home one in the Nurses station and one in the
Administration office
Door Alarms
There are door alarms on all fire exits and residents private doors to alert staff a door has been opened.
A monitor door alarm screen is positioned in the Administration office and the nurse station to confirm
where the alarm is ringing.
The purpose of the alarm is to promote awareness of residents at risk leaving the building. Residents do
not hear the alarm sounding in their room residents are encouraged to sit out in their private garden or
the Courtyard if they so wish.
Categories of care
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Age Profile: No person under the age of 18 years of age shall be accommodated at the designated centre
Clarenbridge Nursing Home at any time. We provide accommodation for both male and female
residents. We provide long term, short term, convalescent and respite care. All levels of care needs and
dependencies are admitted to Clarenbridge Nursing Home. Our dependency levels as of 21/09/2015 are
as follows:
Dep Level of
HIGH 1
HIGH 2
MEDIUM
LOW
Current residents
Number of
14
15
06
10
Residents
Low Dependency: This category refers to people who need some support in the community. They are
usually independently mobile but may use a walking stick and have difficulty managing stairs.
Medium Dependency: Persons whose independence is impaired to the extent that he/she requires
residential care because the appropriate support and nursing care required by the person cannot be
provided by the community. Mobility is impaired to the extent that the person requires supervision or a
walking aid.
High 2 Dependency: Persons whose independence is impaired to the extent that the person requires
residential care but is not bed bound. The person may have a combination of physical and mental
disabilities, may be confused at times and be incontinent. He/she may require a walking aid and physical
assistance to walk.
High 1 Dependency: Persons whose independence is impaired to the extent that she/he requires nursing
care. The person is likely to be bed bound, requires assistance with all aspects of physical care and may
be ambulant but confused, disturbed and incontinent.
50-59
60-69
70-79
80-89
>=90
7 - F(3) M(3) 5 - F(2) M(2) 7 - F(1) M(5) 10 - F(7) M(4) 7 - F(7) M(0)
Please see above the age range as correct 09/2015- please note this may change slightly due to
admission and discharge of respite residents at any time.
Nursing staff keep up-skilled due to ongoing education and training to meet the needs of Residents
with complex core needs.
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The number and size of bedrooms in the designated centre:
Clarenbridge Nursing Home is an NHI award winning purpose built care facility located in a woodland
setting near the towns of Clarenbridge, Craughwell and Oranmore.
Clarenbridge Nursing Home consists of a combination of bright and spacious single & twin rooms.
Please see map on following page.
Page 15 of 27
Page 16 of 27
Room No.
1
2A
2B
3
4A
4B
5
6A
6B
7
8A
8B
9
10A
10B
11
Clarenbridge Nursing Home Bedroom List
Bluebell
Hazelwood
Room
Size
Room No.
Room
Size
Type
Type
Single
16’ x 10.8’
1
Single
16’ x 10.8’
Double
10.9’ x 20’
2A
Single
10.9’ x 20’
2B
Single
16’ x 10.8’
3
Single
16’ x 10.8’
Double
17’ x 20’
4A
Double
17’ x 20’
4B
Single
16’ x 10.8’
5
Single
16’ x 10.8’
Double
10.9’ x 20’
6A
Double
10.9’ x 20’
6B
Single
16’ x 10.8’
7
Single
16’ x 10.8’
Double
17’ x 20’
8A
Double
17’ x 20’
8B
Single
14’ x 11’
Double
19’ x 15’
12
Single
Single
15’ x 17’
15’ x 17’
1
2
Hollylane
Single
16’ x 10.8’
Single
16’ x 10.8’
3
4
Single
Single
16’ x 10.8’
16’ x 10.8’
5
6
Single
Single
16’ x 10.8’
10.9’ x 20’
7
8
Single
Single
16’ x 10.8’
17’ x 20’
1
2A
2B
3
4A
4B
5
6A
6B
7
8A
8B
Meadowview
Single
16’ x 10.8’
Double
10.9’ x 20’
Single
Double
16’ x 10.8’
17’ x 20’
Single
Double
16’ x 10.8’
10.9’ x 20’
Single
Double
16’ x 10.8’
17’ x 20’
Page 17 of 27
10
Single
10.9’ x 20’
12
Single
17’ x 20’
14
Single
10.9’ x 20’
16
Single
17’ x 20’
Room No.
10A
10B
12A
12B
Double
17’ x 20’
Double
10.9’ x 20’
Treetops
Room Type
Size
1
Single
12’ x 15’
2
Single
12’ x 16’
3
Single
12’ x 16’
4
Single
16’ x 12’
5
Single
19’ x 14’
6
Single
16’ x 12’
We have a total of 49 bedrooms over four units, broken down as follows:
Bluebell
12 bedrooms
4 Bedrooms that measure 16 x 10.8
2 Bedrooms that measure 10.9 x 20
2 Bedroom that measures 17 x 20
2 Bedrooms 15 x 17
1 Bedroom that measure 11 x 1
1 Bedroom that measure 19 x 15
Hazelwood
8 Bedrooms
4 Bedrooms that measure 16 x 10.8
2 Bedrooms that measure 17 x 20
2 Bedrooms that measure 10.9 x 20
Meadowview
11 Bedrooms
4 Bedrooms that measure 16 x 10.8
3 Bedrooms that measure 10.9 x 20
4 Bedrooms that measure 17 x 20
Hollylane
12 Bedrooms
6 Bedrooms that measure 16 x 10.8
Page 18 of 27
3 Bedrooms that measure 10.9 x 20
3 Bedrooms that measure 17 x 20
Treetops
6 Bedrooms
2 Bedrooms that measure 12 x 16
1 Bedroom that measure 12 x 15
1 Bedroom that measure 19 x 14
2 Bedroom that measure 16 x 12
All rooms are equipped with Nurse-call alarms and telephone connections.
24 rooms have en-suite facilities with the majority of the remaining rooms having access to adjoining
bathrooms, all of which are wheelchair accessible.
Ten of our rooms have private gardens. Six have direct courtyard access, the remaining rooms have
lovely meadow views. Each resident has their own TV and phone. Residents can access the daily
newspaper by pre-ordering them at the reception desk. Resident’s families can contact residents directly
without coming through the main switchboard. If residents wish to make an outgoing call they can do
so by contacting reception by dialling “0” or by dialling “9” for an outside line. Internet access can be
arranged as we have wireless internet.
The physiotherapy department is located on the first floor and can be accessed via a lift.
Care plans
We provide 24 hour registered nursing care seven days per week. All residents in Clarenbridge
Nursing Home will have a care plan developed to meet their needs.
The care plan is commenced on admission. The nurse completes a suite of assessments which will
ascertain the resident’s core needs.
The care plan is an important document. It contains all of the essential nursing and social information
on each resident. The care plan is a live document and is constantly updated according to the resident’s
changing care needs. The resident and his/her family are involved in the care plan process. A copy of
the care plan will be made available to the residents if requested and or their care plans are
electronically held on epiccare. The care plans are printed once updated and a nurse will discuss any
changes or updates with the resident or their families and obtain approved signatures.
Residents and in some cases their families are encouraged to be as involved as possible in the creation
of the care plan.
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Contract of Care
Upon admission all residents will be given a Contract of Care. The contract provides a legally binding
commitment to terms and conditions. The terms and conditions are outlined in the Contract of Care and
relate to the services provided and agreement to pay the required fee(s) as per individual agreement.
On admission every resident will be issued a Contract of Care within one week of their admission to
the Nursing home.
We encourage residents and their representative to take the time to read and understand the terms of
the Contract of Care.
The contract outlines the room that will be occupied by the resident and they will not be moved from
their room unless at their own request or for medical or safety reasons. We reserve the right to move a
residents from their room if there is an identified risk in the resident remaining in their own room.
The reason for moving a resident to another room is always discussed with the resident and their
family. The contract details the fee charged to the resident and clearly outlines the services that will be
provided.
There is no charge for Physiotherapy, O.T or Activities.
TYPE OF COST
HAIRDRESSING
NEWSPAPERS
PRICE
Wash & Blow Dry - €15 Wash Set - €10 Colour,
Wash cut & Blow Dry €25 Perm €50, Cut,
Set/Blow Dry €35 Dry Cut Gents €10
Cost of daily paper
PRESCRIPTION LEVY
CHIROPODY
As determined by the government
€25
Visiting Times & Family
Residents are encouraged to have visitors to the home as frequently as possible.
Visiting times are preferably 09:30 to 22:00. We are however flexible about these arrangements. In
particular if a resident is unwell.
All visitors are expected to sign in and out of the nursing home and to utilise the alcohol hand
sanitizers that are located at each exit door.
If you have any queries please ask our receptionist for assistance.
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Our reception desk is manned from 09.00 until 17.00. Clarenbridge Nursing Home reserves the right
to close all or part of the nursing home to visitors if there is a reason to do so. This would only happen
in exceptional circumstances such an outbreak of an infection eg. Norovirus (Winter Vomiting).
We would request that in the interests of resident safety, visitors who are experiencing flu like
symptoms or vomiting or diarrhoea would refrain from visiting the nursing home on account of the
risk of potential infection
We invite and encourage families to join us on our special occasions, eg. Summer BBQ, Halloween
party, outings, Christmas party etc.
Family Forums are held every six months, where families are invited to give feedback and
suggestions.
Residents Personal Care
Recognising and promoting the rights of residents is a fundamental part of the care provided at
Clarenbridge Nursing Home. It is also recognises that residents have responsibilities to ensure that they
receive the most appropriate and beneficial care at Clarenbridge Nursing Home.
The management and nursing team promote independence and choice, it is the policy of Clarenbridge
Nursing Home to ensure that all its residents receive assistance with personal care and hygiene if and
when they require it. All residents shall be provided with advice on how to attend to their personal
hygiene, based on their requirements. Our residents are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
All residents have the right to access all kinds of information regarding their condition, the health
services and how to use them.
All residents have the right to information regarding their medical condition, diagnosis, prognosis
treatments and potential risks of treatment. Residents also have the right not to receive this information
if they choose.
Residents have the right to receive this information in a format which they will understand.
Residents have the right to know the name and position of all individuals who are caring for them and
who they may encounter in Clarenbridge Nursing Home.
Residents Personal Items
We encourage residents to bring personal items and pieces of furniture with them to the nursing home.
We are more than happy to personalise bedrooms by hanging pictures or photos on the walls of
individual bedrooms as this contributes to the homely atmosphere of the nursing home.
All staff will take reasonable measures to protect the monies, clothing, possessions and valuables of
residents and will report any concerns to The Person in Charge or The Registered Provider. However,
it is essential that all valuables or sums of money are registered in the safekeeping book and placed in
our safe for safekeeping.
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Our safe is kept in a secure office that is locked when unattended.
Clarenbridge Nursing Home accepts no responsibility for monies or valuables that have not been
registered and placed for safe keeping.
In relation to personal clothing, on admission, we will seek the permission of the resident or their
family to have all personal clothing labelled for identification.
Aids and appliances will also be marked with our labelling machine e.g. walking aids.
As outlined above, unless the items are registered in the safekeeping book and placed in our safe,
Clarenbridge Nursing Home accepts no responsibility should items become lost or go missing. Due to
the nature of hearing aids and resident’s tendencies to take them out at times and lose them, we ask
that the resident’s or their families take out the necessary insurances to cover their replacement as we
cannot accept responsibility for their loss.
Spiritual needs
People of all denominations, faiths and beliefs are welcome in Clarenbridge Nursing Home.
The visiting priest also hears confessions and anoints people on a regular basis.
The Church Of Ireland Minister also visits his members as requested.
In the unfortunate event of the death of a resident, Clarenbridge Nursing Home works closely with
family members and funeral directors to ensure that any wishes expressed by the resident and/or
family members are accommodated in arrangements, within reason.
There is an oratory located near reception for Residents, families and visitors to sit and reflect in a
quiet space.
Alcohol & Drugs Policy
For the purpose of this policy the term drugs will be defined as all mood-altering substances, either
legal or illegal. This includes alcohol, prescribed and other medications, in addition to illegal and illicit
substances. This policy does not refer to tobacco use which is dealt with separately. There is a separate
Alcohol and Drugs Policy that applies to staff. Clarenbridge Nursing Home is committed to providing
an environment which is healthy and safe for residents and staff alike. Substance abuse is dealt with
under the health and safety act and the legislation.
This policy should be seen in the context of the promotion of health, safety and welfare of all those
who work, visit and are cared for at Clarenbridge Nursing Home. Alcohol and other drugs affect
concentration and co-ordination, and can interact badly with other prescribed drugs and therefore are
not conducive with a healthy and safe environment.
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Visitors are not permitted to provide drugs, including alcohol, prescribed and other medications, or
illegal and illicit substances, to any resident without the expressed permission of the Nurse Manager
on duty.
Where it is suspected that a visitor to Clarenbridge Nursing Home is in the possession of, or has
offered to a resident, an illegal or illicit substance, Clarenbridge Nursing Home reserves the right to
report the matter immediately to An Garda Siochana. Where visitors are taking residents out for a
period of time, they must check with the Nurse Manager on duty on each occasion before leaving
Clarenbridge Nursing Home whether or not it is advisable or appropriate to provide alcoholic drinks to
the resident while they are away from Clarenbridge Nursing Home.
From time to time, Clarenbridge Nursing Home may organise events (such as a Christmas party or pub
night) where alcohol may be available. However, the nursing staff will at all times make a decision
(based entirely on resident safety) regarding the consumption of alcohol by individual residents on the
basis of medical advice pertaining to the resident at the time.
Tobacco
Clarenbridge Nursing Home is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for residents
and staff alike. Clarenbridge Nursing Home does not endorse smoking. Clarenbridge Nursing Home
will facilitate residents who wish to stop smoking with health education and support. While
Clarenbridge Nursing Home recognises and respects residents’ individual rights and choice to smoke,
the nurse on duty will use discretion with each based on medical advice.
To minimise the health and safety risk to residents, staff and visitors, residents are provided with a
designated smoking area located on the ground floor which is well ventilated and adheres strictly to
required standards. It opens on to the courtyard.
Residents are permitted to smoke in the designated area. Staff have their own designated area outside,
the Residents are also permitted to smoke outside in the grounds of the nursing home. Under no
circumstances are residents allowed to smoke in their bedrooms.
In the case of residents who smoke, the following documentation is completed on admission with the
resident and/or their Next of Kin:
 A smoking risk assessment;
 A care plan is designed, identifying the level of risk and level of supervision required. In accordance
with Clarenbridge Nursing Homes standards, the resident’s level of risk will be reviewed every four
months or sooner if the resident’s circumstances change.
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Fire Safety & Training
There is an automatic fire detection system present throughout the building as well as a large number
of fire extinguishers.
In the event of a fire the fire alarm will activate and the location of the fire will be displayed on the fire
alarm panel at reception.
All internal doors in the nursing home close and the locks on all external doors will open
The Nurse on the Hollylane unit is the nominated person to steward the evacuation.
All staff receive fire training at least every 12 months and new staff will receive fire training as initial
part of their induction programme.
Our fire evacuation procedure is clearly communicated to staff. Details of what to do in the event of a
fire are prominently located throughout the nursing home along with maps of current locations.
In the event of a fire, staff are trained to respond appropriately and move residents or visitors at risk to
a nominated place of safety.
All firefighting and alarm equipment is maintained in accordance with relevant Fire Safety
Legislation. Our fire alarm is monitored by an external monitoring company ‘Chubb’ to provide added
security, you are not to become involved in the evacuation of the building unless asked by a member
of staff to assist.
Complaints & Concerns
Complaints, comments, suggestions, concerns about services, oral or written will be taken seriously
and handled in a sensitive, timely and effective manner that protects the rights, privacy, dignity and
confidentiality of all those involved.
Concerns and / or complaints will be used to inform continuous quality improvement and risk
management of services provided.
A copy of our complaints policy will be clearly displayed at reception.
A complaint is an expression (verbal) or statement (written) of dissatisfaction that requires a response.
(Healthcare Commission 2008).
All complaints both written and verbal will be acknowledged and will be recorded in our complaints
log.
All complaints will be investigated by the Director of Nursing and in her absence the CNM II. All
complaints will be communicated and staff aware of the outcome.
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If the complainant is still unhappy the complaint may be referred to the Independent Appeals Officer,
Ms. Yvonne Carpenter, St. Marys Nursing Home, 091 540500.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome they may contact the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman provides an impartial, independent and free service. By law the Ombudsman can
examine complaints about any of our administrative actions or procedures as well as delays or inaction
in our dealings with the complainant. The Ombudsman's remit relates to complaints about actions
which occur on or after 24 August 2015. The Ombudsman cannot examine complaints about actions
which occurred before that date with the exception of complaints from residents eligible to complain
under "Your Service Your Say" (Residents whose place is provided under a contract with the HSE.)
Contact details are as follow;
The Office of the Ombudsman
18 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2.
Phone: LoCall 1890 22 30 30 or (01) 639 5600
Email: [email protected]
You can also make a complaint online using the online complaint form www.ombudsman.gov.ie
The provider is appraised of all complaints and complainants referred to the provider if not satisfied
with the complaint process.
Allegations of abuse; physical, psychological, emotional, neglect, theft or other are investigated in line
with the policy on Elder Abuse and reported to HIQA in accordance with the law. Notification to HIQA
is done by the DON and the CNM II in her absence.
Audit and Evaluation of Complaints
A register of complaints is maintained in Clarenbridge Nursing Home and is analysed by the DON
annually.
Resident feedback, including complaints/concerns, comments and compliments are reviewed, and the
resultant actions discussed, as part of the overall incident reporting process in Clarenbridge Nursing
Home at the quality & risk committee meetings.
All complaints are raised by the Director of Nursing at the CNM meetings and the Quality & Risk
meetings and feed-back given to the staff on the actions taken to resolve them for future learning to
improve the quality and safety of care delivery in Clarenbridge Nursing Home.
All measures and actions are taken in the resolution of complaints and concerns are monitored and
followed up to ensure the reduction and prevention of any repeat complaints and /or concerns.
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Staff training and education is given on the complaints policy and frequent review of staff knowledge
in accordance with this policy is undertaken.
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Key Policies used in Clarenbridge Nursing Home

Elder Abuse

Admission Policy

Abscond Policy

Care needs

Challenging Behaviour Policy

Restraint Policy

Managing Resident’s Personal Property

Communication Policy

Visitors

Recruitment, Selection and Garda Vetting Policy

Staff Training and Development Policy

Nutrition Policy

Provision of Information to Residents

Record Management Policy

Temporary, Absence and Discharge Policy

Health and safety Emergency Plan

Risk Management Policy

Medication Management

Complaint Policy

CCTV Policy

End of Life Care Policy
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