Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 26 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 26 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 12 centres operated by a number of providers including; St John of God Community Services CLG, Stewarts Care Limited, Sunbeam House Services CLG, The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, The Rehab Group, and Waterford Intellectual Disability Association CLG.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Louth operated by St John of God Community Services CLG, the provider had ensured that resources were available to meet residents’ needs, including the purchasing of a second vehicle so that they could fully access their local community. Residents were supported to enjoy events such as the local Saint Patrick's Day parade as well as celebrating birthdays. Residents visited local football clubs, shopped for their own clothes, gardened and maintained links with their families.
• At a centre in Carlow operated by The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, residents were complimentary about the care they received. Residents spoke about how their days were filled with activities both at home and in their community. Residents also spoke about how their rights were promoted at the centre, and how, if they were unhappy, they could make a complaint to staff. 
• At a centre in Louth operated by The Rehab Group, residents’ rights were actively supported through the use of both verbal communication and sign language by staff. Residents’ families also told the inspector about how their relative’s needs were well met, especially those linked to communication.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 14 inspections. 

Two non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG, with improvements being required in areas such as safeguarding and staffing arrangements. 

Four non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by St John of God Community Services CLG. Across these centres, non-compliance was identified in areas such as fire safety, staff training, premises, and risk management.

Two reports have been published on centres operated by St Joseph’s Foundation. Improvements were required in safeguarding arrangements, governance, and infection prevention and control.

Two centres operated by St Michael's House required improvements in fire precautions and residents’ contracts.

A centre operated by The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland required improvement in areas such as staffing, governance and premises. Insufficient staffing arrangements were identified during an inspection of a centre operated by Three Steps Limited. Improvements to the management of complaints were required at a centre managed by the Rehab Group.

Finally, a centre operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company was found to be non-compliant due to issues related to fire safety and residents’ personal plans.