HIQA praises care at nursing home in Dundalk but fire safety needs work

A recent unannounced inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has identified a number of positives at Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home in Blackrock, while also noting some fire safety issues that needed improvement. 

The inspection, which took place on 9 July 2025, assessed compliance with the Health Act 2007 and related regulations. 

The inspectors noted a positive atmosphere within the home. Residents described staff as “attentive and kind” and praised activities and food quality. The building itself was “very clean and well-maintained,” with residents enjoying access to gardens and communal spaces.

Many bedrooms were personalised, and the inspectors observed staff engaging with residents during activities and mealtimes.

The report found the centre to be “substantially compliant” in governance and premises standards. Management was found to be supportive of staff and responsive to issues, but inspectors stressed the need for stronger oversight of storage and fire certification.

While inspectors praised the home’s caring staff and well-maintained environment, they found shortcomings in fire precautions that must be addressed by the provider, ACH Nursing Home and Healthcare Ltd.

The nursing home, which accommodates 64 residents, was deemed “not compliant” under Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions). Inspectors highlighted problems with the positioning of a fire detector, inadequate smoke ventilation in stairwells, storage of flammable materials alongside residents’ files, and shortcomings in evacuation planning.

A wooden gate outside an emergency exit and unclear evacuation floor plans were also cited as issues that could delay or confuse a fire response. In addition, inspectors noted that some fire doors were damaged or not fitted with proper seals, and attic hatches may not have been fire-rated.

Some resident files were found stored in an inappropriate maintenance shed alongside petrol-based products. While this was corrected on the day of inspection, inspectors said broader storage practices needed review.

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There were also delays in fully implementing previous compliance plans from November 2024, though the provider had made progress on some upgrades, including new fire doors.

In response to HIQA’s findings, the provider has committed to a comprehensive fire safety upgrade, including:

• The gas detection system and an automatic shut off point to be installed in the laundry
• Revising and displaying new evacuation floor plans
• Upgrading fire doors, attic hatches, and other infrastructure
• Conducting regular vertical evacuation drills.