Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 27 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 27 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 11 centres operated by a number of providers including; Dundas Unlimited Company, Gateway Community Care Limited, Health Service Executive (HSE), Muiríosa Foundation, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, Peter Bradley Foundation CLG, and Redwood Neurobehavioural Services Unlimited Company.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Louth operated by Dundas Unlimited Company, the provider ensured that residents lived in a homely environment but also met their needs. For example, residents needed access to a number of medical appliances, but the provider ensured their presence did not take away from the ambiance of the centre. Furthermore, residents had access to a garden where they enjoyed tending plants and were also encouraged to personalise their bedrooms reflecting their individual likes and preferences.
• At a centre in Cork operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited, residents’ rights were actively promoted. With staff supporting one resident to maintain their cultural identity through use of their first language, having links with local community groups, attending religious services and having access to a translator. They were supported to maintain links with their language and culture.
• At a centre in Meath operated by Redwood Neurobehavioural Services Unlimited Company, staff were supporting residents through a range of communication methods to have choice in their daily lives and be informed about the day-to-day running of the centre. 

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 16 inspections. 

Five non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by the HSE, three of which are based in Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 (CHO1). 

In one centre a high level of non-compliance was found associated with the absence of safeguarding measures, inadequate healthcare assessment of residents, poor fire safety measures and overall governance arrangements. However, a subsequent inspection in January 2023, found substantial improvements had been made in response to the findings of the previous inspection impacting positively on the care and support received by residents.

In a further two centres based in CHO1, improvements were required due to the incompatibility of residents, and issues relating to staffing and premises. Two other HSE centres in other parts of the country were found to be non-compliant in premises, fire safety, residents’ rights, and insufficient staffing. 

Two reports have been published on centres operated by Saint Patrick's Centre (Kilkenny)/trading as Aurora- Enriching Lives, Enriching Communities. A high level of non-compliance was identified at one centre due to safeguarding incidents, fire safety, insufficient staffing, and measures to protect against infection, with an urgent action being issued relating to the safe management of medication. At the other centre, non-compliance was identified in managing risks, residents’ personal possessions and overall governance.

Improvements were required in residents’ contracts, premises, and the general oversight of a centre operated by Enable Ireland Disability Services Limited. 

Staff training and measures to protect against infection required improvement at a centre operated by Steadfast House CLG. 

The premises of a centre operated by KARE, Promoting Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities required repairs and improvement. The management of medication required improvement at a centre operated by Dundas Unlimited Company. A review and update of arrangements for residents’ personal possessions was required at a centre operated by SOS Kilkenny Ltd.

Three centres operated by Muiríosa Foundation were found to be non-compliant in areas such as safeguarding measures, fire safety, medication management, staff training and premises.

Finally, a centre operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited required improvements in the supervision of staff and residents’ personal plans.

Read all reports at the link below.