Patient lost 15kg in just six weeks
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A CONVALESCENT patient lost 15kg in just six weeks at a Dublin nursing home before dying in hospital.
A HSE investigation into the case, which involved Orwell House Nursing Home in Rathgar, upheld several complaints about the patient's care.
The inquiry found the patient's nutritional needs were not met and that she was dehydrated when admitted to hospital.
The patient was admitted to the nursing home in September 2007, weighing 67kg. When transferred to St James's Hospital six weeks later, the patient's weight had plummeted to just 52kg.
The HSE investigated claims the patient was not provided with assistance to eat and lift a glass to her mouth. It was claimed uneaten meals were taken away.
The investigation concluded that the patient's appetite deteriorated three weeks into her stay. It found staff at Orwell House did not monitor the patient's weight and failed to put in place a care plan to address inadequate nutrition.
When admitted to the nursing home the patient was to have a fluid intake of 1.5 litres per day and at one stage during her stay a carer was assigned to provide hourly fluids. However, the HSE upheld a complaint that she was found to be dehydrated when brought to hospital.
The investigation of other complaints relating to the patient's care, including an allegation that personal hygiene issues were neglected, proved inconclusive. An inspection of the nursing home the following February found that poor hand hygiene practices were in evidence and alcohol gels were not available.
The HSE also upheld complaints from some residents that some healthcare support staff had inadequate standards of English.
Concerned
The investigators said that due to a heavy dependence on care assistants and a lack of gerontological nursing expertise they were concerned for the safety of patients who needed specialised nursing care.
It was recommended that further admissions to convalescent beds and the admissions of highly dependent patients be discontinued until an appropriate level of competent staff were employed.
In a statement, Orwell House said it did not comment on matters relating to past or present residents, but added that any recommendations issued by the HSE are implemented.
The nursing home defended its record, stating that complaints were isolated and "in the extreme minority".
"It is always regrettable when a complaint arises but Orwell House has a very robust complaints-response procedure in place.
"In addition Orwell conducts regular audits and reviews of its procedures and practices to ensure best practice in care delivery. Orwell has a very high satisfaction rating from its residents and their relatives," the statement said.
- Shane Phelan
