Nursing Home’s Scabies Outbreak Exposes Infection Control Failures

Residents at the Kilkenny Care Centre in Newpark, Kilkenny, experienced a prolonged outbreak of scabies due to inadequate infection control measures, according to a recent report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa). The outbreak, which began in September 2024, affected multiple residents and staff, highlighting significant failures in managing infectious diseases within the facility.

Inspectors from Hiqa visited the nursing home in July 2023 and found that management of the scabies outbreak was poorly coordinated. A clinical diagnosis from a general practitioner (GP) confirmed cases of crusted scabies, a more severe and contagious form of the infestation. The report indicated that the lack of effective oversight likely contributed to the ongoing spread of the condition among residents and staff.

The inspectors identified several critical failures in the infection prevention and control protocols. These included the absence of timely isolation for symptomatic residents, unclear guidance for staff, and improper handling of laundry and non-washable items. The report emphasized that these lapses allowed for continued transmission of the infestation.

In particular, staff were found to lack clarity on the necessary isolation periods following treatment, which may have facilitated further spread. Documentation revealed that treatments were not applied according to public health recommendations, allowing the infestation to persist. Furthermore, items that could not be laundered, such as slippers and soft toys, were not managed appropriately, raising the risk of re-infection.

In addition to the scabies outbreak, inspectors raised concerns about general conditions within the nursing home. During a separate inspection at Beechfield Manor on Shanganagh Rd, Shankill, Dublin, residents reported inadequate staffing levels. Some mentioned experiencing long waits for assistance after using call bells, indicating a broader issue in resident care.

The temperature within the Kilkenny Care Centre was also noted as excessively warm, with reports from residents and staff indicating discomfort. The central heating system was found to be malfunctioning, preventing necessary adjustments to accommodate outdoor temperatures.

Fire safety issues were evident in the facility, with inspectors observing fire doors propped open and locked emergency exits. Additionally, battery-operated fire safety devices were emitting warnings for battery replacements, which had not been addressed by staff, potentially compromising safety.

The report outlined the need for improved staff training and standardized procedures to enhance infection prevention and control measures. It called for urgent action from Mowlam Healthcare, the owners of the nursing home, to address these deficiencies. They have agreed to implement an action plan to rectify the issues identified by Hiqa.

In light of these findings, it is clear that effective infection control and resident safety measures are crucial in nursing home environments. The ongoing challenges faced by facilities like Kilkenny Care Centre underscore the importance of rigorous oversight and adherence to health guidelines to protect vulnerable populations.