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 16 centres operated by a number of providers including: Ability West; An Breacadh Nua; Avista CLG; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG; Cheeverstown House CLG; ChildVision CLG; Dundas Unlimited Company; and Muiríosa Foundation.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:  

• At a centre in Galway operated by Ability West, residents enjoyed active lives such as trips abroad, hotel breaks, visiting family members, going for walks locally and then relaxing at home to watch television in comfort.
• At a centre operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG in Clare, residents’ choices in their daily activities were supported and respected by the provider. Staffing had been reviewed and allocated to support residents if they wished to attend day services or other activities.
• At a centre in Dublin operated by ChildVision CLG, residents were well informed on their rights and made their own decisions on how to spend their time and money. Residents said they were consulted with and listened to about the running of the centre. 
  Non-compliances that impacted on the delivery of care and support to residents were identified in 17 other centres.

Poor governance was identified at four centres operated by Ability West. At one centre, the provider had failed to provide appropriate resources to meet the basic needs of residents. At another centre, an immediate action was issued to the provider to ensure supervision by staff to minimise risks for residents. In the remaining two centres, improvements were needed in residents’ safeguarding plans and the premises.

Poor governance was identified at eight centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. Across these centres, improvements were needed in residents’ living arrangements, residents’ activities, staffing and fire safety.  
Poor governance was identified at a centre operated by CoAction West Cork CLG. Improvements were needed in residents’ personal plans, the premises and staff training.

At two centres operated by ChildVision CLG, fire safety measures were required to be strengthened to protect residents

Finally, the provider needed to make improvements in fire safety planning and the suitability of the premises for residents at two centres operated by Cheeverstown House CLG.