Regulator finds ‘sustained improvement’ after raising concerns at Runwood home

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) has found “sustained improvement” at a Ballymena care home after raising concerns about its management of staff.

The RQIA’s unannounced inspection of Kintullagh Care Home, which is operated by Runwood Homes, on December 18 followed a meeting with the home’s management in October to discuss concerns related to the management of staffing found in a previous inspection.

An RQIA spokesperson said it had found “sustained improvement against the areas of concern”, adding: “The safety and wellbeing of all those living at Kintullagh Care Home is of paramount importance to RQIA, and we will continue to monitor this service through our ongoing regulatory duties.”

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The findings of the latest inspection report, which is yet to be published, were welcomed by Runwood Homes.

A spokesperson for the care provider said: “This is a very positive outcome that demonstrates the home’s determination to ensure care standards are set high and maintained.”

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Eddie Lynch, told CHP: “It is encouraging that the RQIA have found improvement against the recommendations and requirements identified in the inspection report of 8 and 9 October which were found to be below standard.

“I look forward to reading the report of the inspection which was carried out on 18 December as soon as it has been published.”