Sacred Heart Hospital staff praised by Hiqa report

There have been significant improvements at the Sacred Heart Hospital according to the latest report published by the health regulator Hiqa. 

In the report published today, staff were again praised for their warmth, professionalism and compassion, with one resident saying 'you would not get better care anywhere else'.

The Sacred Heart Hospital provides residential, respite and rehabilitation services to 49 adults. The centre has two units, St Catherine's unit with 32 beds, one palliative care suite and three respite beds. St Michael's provides 17 long-term beds.

The Roscommon Town long stay care facility was found to be compliant or substantially compliant in 15 different categories. This marks a noted improvement on the report published in July 2025, when it was found to be non-compliant in three areas, including in fire precautions, and in individual assessment and care plans.

The inspection, which was carried out in November of last year, found that “the provider had made significant improvements to achieve compliance with regulations”.

“Staff had access to regular training... to ensure their mandatory training was up to date. All staff were up to date with their fire safety, moving, and handling, and safeguarding training,” the report noted. “Records showed that staff had access to infection control training. Discussions with staff confirmed that they were well-supported with their training requirements, and that they were able to use this training to support their daily practice.” 

On the day of inspection, the staffing numbers and skill mix were appropriate to meet the needs of the 47 residents, the report found.

“There was sufficient nursing staff on duty at all times, and they were supported by a team of health care staff. The staffing complement also included catering, housekeeping, administrative and management staff.” The inspector noted a warm, unhurried, and happy atmosphere throughout the centre, and this was reflected in the residents' relaxed demeanour.

“Staff were observed to be attentive to residents' needs, and were respectful, kind, and patient in their interactions with residents. Staff knew residents well, and were observed to engage residents in conversations about their individual interests, lives, and their families.” Some residents commented on the ongoing redevelopment works at the hospital, and confirmed that they were regularly updated on progress.

“Residents living in this centre were supported to enjoy a good quality of life. There was evidence that indicated residents were offered choice in all aspects of their care. This included discussions on what types of activities residents would like provided, the choice of food available, and on how residents would like care support to be provided to them.

“The inspector spoke with several residents, and all responses received were positive with regard to the support provided by the staff team. One resident said 'you would not get better care anywhere else', while several other residents complimented the quality of the food provided. The inspector also spoke with visitors who were attending the centre, and they also expressed satisfaction with the care provided to their relatives.” 

HSE West and North West welcomed the report, highlighting the positive responses by residents.

“Of the 15 regulations assessed, 12 were fully compliant and three were substantially compliant, indicating a high level of compliance with some areas requiring further improvement,” a spokesperson said.

A plan to bring the facility to full compliance has been submitted to Hiqa. Under this, risks of cross-contamination in storage were addressed by removing clinical items, leaving only non-clinical items, and updating staff procedures.

“Personal items were previously stored on light consoles due to limited shelving. Bedside shelving has now been installed in St Michael’s Ward to provide adequate storage,” the HSE said. “Insufficient storage in St Michael’s Unit was addressed by decluttering, removing floor items and segregating clinical and non-clinical materials. Staff were briefed on procedures and additional storage as provided for activity items and decorations.” 

 The HSE said it remained committed to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care to residents at the Sacred Heart Hospital.