Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 29 inspection reports on designated centres for people with disabilities. HIQA inspects against the Health Act 2007 (Care and Support of Residents in Designated Centres for Persons (Children and Adults with Disabilities) Regulations 2013 and the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities, which apply to residential services for people with disabilities in Ireland. 

Of these 29 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in eight centres operated by a number of providers including; MyLife by Estrela Hall Limited, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, S O S Kilkenny CLG, St Joseph's Foundation, St Michael's House, Talbot Care Unlimited Company, and the Rehab Group.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Leitrim operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited, residents’ goals were actively promoted, with one resident undertaking an art class and nearing completion of an accredited literacy class. The resident also spoke about a community group they were involved with and how they hoped to become an instructor in order to help younger group members in the future.
• At a centre in Cork operated by St Joseph's Foundation, residents spoke about the care and support they received which was person centred and helped them achieve their goals. Residents were actively involved in activities in their local community such as attending GAA matches and going to a local social farm, as well as holiday plans for later in the year. 
• At a centre in Louth operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company, residents were being supported to develop independent living skills such as managing their own laundry, maintaining their own bedrooms and cooking. Residents also spoke about how they could personalise their bedrooms, with one resident having plans to paint it red which they said staff would facilitate for them.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 21 inspections. 

A high level of non-compliance was identified at a centre operated by North West Parents and Friends Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability. Improvements were required in areas such as residents’ personal plans, safeguarding and premises. 

Two reports have been published on centres operated by Peter Bradley Foundation CLG. Better management of incidents and risk were required at one centre while both centres required improvements in fire precautions and measures to protect against infection.

Three reports with non-compliance have been published on centres operated by St Joseph's Foundation. Across these centres, improvements were required in areas such as staffing, residents’ personal plans, and overall governance.

Five reports have been published on centres operated by St John of God Community Services CLG. Better management of safeguarding incidents and residents’ personal plans were needed at one centre, while four centres required improvements in different areas such as fire precautions, premises, staff training and managing risks.

Two non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited where improvements were needed in residents’ personal plans and measures to protect against infection. Two non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by the Rehab Group with improvements needed in staffing, management of personal possessions, premises and fire precautions. 

Better staffing arrangements were required at a centre operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG. Improvements in fire precautions were needed at two separate centres operated by MMC Children's Services Limited and St Michael's House.

A centre operated by the Cheshire Foundation in Ireland was found to be non-compliant in areas including fire precautions, managing risks and staff training. A centre operated by Terra Glen Residential Care Services Limited required improvements in staffing and staff training. 

Finally, a centre operated by MooreHaven Centre (Tipperary) Designated Activity Company was found to be non-compliant due to fire safety and insufficient staffing.

 

Read all reports at the link below.