Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 33 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 33 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 18 centres operated by a number of providers including; Muiríosa Foundation, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, Offaly Centre for Independent Living CLG, Peamount Healthcare, Praxis Care, Redwood Extended Care Facility Unlimited Company, St John of God Community Services CLG, St Joseph's Foundation, St Michael's House, St. Paul's Child and Family Care Centre Designated Activity Company, Stepping Stones Residential Care Limited, Three Steps Limited, The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, and Western Care Association.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• At a centre in Laois operated by the Muiríosa Foundation, residents spoke about their personal goals and how they planned to achieve these in the coming months. A resident proudly showed the inspector medals they had won through participating in the Special Olympics, while another resident showed off their jewellery collection and how they kept it safe and secure. 
• At a centre in Offaly operated by Offaly Centre for Independent Living CLG, residents were involved in the day-to-day running of the centre and had chosen names for each of the bedrooms which were displayed on plaques outside the rooms. Residents led active lives and were involved in a range of activities and spoke about the centre being their ‘home away from home’. 
• At a centre operated by St Michael’s House in Dublin, residents were supported to develop independent living skills such as preparing simple meals, as well as supported to actively participate in their local communities. Residents told the inspector about their goals, and spoke positively about the support provided by staff and plans they had for the next few months, such as attending concerts and going on holidays.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 15 inspections.

A high level of non-compliance was identified at a centre operated by Resilience Healthcare Limited. Improvements were required in fire safety measures, management of residents’ finances, premises, and staff training.

Two inspection reports have been published on centres operated by SOS Kilkenny Ltd. At one centre, continued improvements were required in areas such as fire safety, staffing and the management of residents’ finances. At the other centre, the inspection found that the provider had not taken sufficient measures to safeguard residents’ finances or referred this matter for investigation by external agencies.

Non-compliance was recorded at two centres operated by Stewarts Care Limited. Across these two centres, improvements were required in residents’ behaviour supports plans, staffing, training, complaint management and infection control arrangements.

At a centre operated by Trinity Support and Care Services Limited, staffing arrangements did not ensure a consistency of care was provided to residents. In addition, improvements were needed in supporting residents to access opportunities for education or employment, and the provider was required to improve the management of restrictive practices in the centre. 

Insufficient staffing arrangements, among other issues were highlighted at centres operated by four separate providers: the Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, The Rehab Group, Nua Healthcare Services Limited and St Catherine’s Association CLG.

At a centre operated by St. Hilda’s Services, non-compliance was identified in infection control arrangements.

The use of restrictions and video monitoring impacted on residents’ rights and living arrangements at a centre operated by St Michael’s House. At a centre operated by St Joseph’s Foundation, the absence of a person in charge undermined the governance and management of the centre.

Finally, two centres operated by St John of God Community Services CLG required repairs and maintenance to the premises to ensure accessibility for residents. 

Read all reports at the link below.