“Serious malfunctions” observed in an Ehpad in Calvados

While the government announced a “vast” control plan for all establishments in the country, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Normandy reports that “serious malfunctions have been observed” in a nursing home called Les Opalines, in Moutiers-en-Cinglais (Calvados). Ithe problems concern “the quality and safety of care, support and respect for the rights of the people received” and the “governance”said the ARS in a press release, Wednesday, March 9.

The inspectors of the ARS and the departmental council found there in particular “organizations that do not guarantee the continuity of the presence of nursing staff in sufficient numbers to guarantee the safety of residents and respect for their individual needs and rhythms”. They also lament “major failures in the drug circuit” and “shortcomings in the coordination of care and in their traceability”according to the press release. “Several unsuitable rooms, insufficient hygiene of the linen, premises at risk with free access to residents” were also observed.

“It appears that all of the shortcomings noted have their origin in the shortcomings of the governance put in place”, explains the ARS. This did not produce “in particular the guarantees relating to the preservation of the autonomy of the residents, which is the primary mission of an Ehpad”according to the ARS.

Consequently, “it has been decided to partially suspend the activity of the Ehpad”. “The establishment is no longer authorized to welcome new residents until effective measures have been taken to remedy the findings made during this inspection”, specifies the ARS. A provisional administrator was appointed and installed on Tuesday. It has for “mission to guarantee the safety, well-being and respect for the rights of residents”.