A HSE residential care centre and community nursing unit in Tipperary Town has been praised in an inspection carried out by the Health Information and Equality Authority (HIQA).
In a report published this month, the authority summarised its findings from an unannounced inspection carried out in June at Cluain Árann. The process included the HIQA inspectors speaking with those resident at and receiving care in Cluain Árann, in addition to consulting their relatives and staff.
Purpose built in 1979, Cluain Árann provides convalescent, respite/short term and palliative care for 10 patients in its community nursing unit. A residential annex features 18 single and one double room, providing general nursing care on a 24 hour basis cares for residents with a medium dependency level.
HIQA described Cluain Árann in their report as a well-managed centre, where the quality and safety of the service provided to residents was “of a very high standard”. The inspection report noted the staff’s commitment to ongoing quality improvement that would continue to enhance the daily lives of residents.
The inspection report described a “relaxed atmosphere” evident upon entering the centre, the “welcoming feel” to the building and its internal arrangements and how Cluain Árann’s lay-out met the needs of its residents and encouraged and aided their independence.
Residents spoken to by the HIQA inspector described the staff in Cluain Árann as ''exceptional''. Residents told the inspector that they looked forward to the activities held in the centre, as they were “entertaining and enjoyable”. The inspector observed that all residents had an updated assessment of their needs completed to ensure the service provided onsite by the HSE met their health and social care needs.
On adherence to expectations set by HIQA, the authority deemed Cluain Árann compliant in categories relating to staffing, training and staff development, governance and management, notification of incidents, complaints procedures, information for residents, individual assessment and care plans, health care, protection and residents' rights. HIQA found Cluain Árann to be substantially compliant in the remaining two categories of visiting and fire precautions
Commenting on the publication of the report, the Director of Nursing for Cluain Árann, Carmel Redfern said:
“Cluain Árann has an excellent reputation as a care facility and we are deeply appreciative of the support we receive from families and the wider community in Tipp Town and surrounding parts of West and South Co. Tipperary..”
“The HSE welcomes inspections of all its hospitals and residential care facilities by the HIQA and our team in Cluain Árann continuously work to ensure adherence to expectations set by the authority. I am delighted that this good news underlines what we are all about here.”
Catherine Wyse (Manager, Older Persons Services, Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South, HSE Dublin and South East) added:
“HIQA reviewed all of the requisite operational standards, which we strive to maintain at a high level in this unit. The team are very pleased that such positive feedback was recorded from our patients and their relatives.”
“We look forward to continuing to deliver healthcare and support to the highest standard to the population we serve.”
Last updated on: 01 / 10 / 2025
