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 19 centres operated by a number of providers including: St Michael's House; Stewarts Care DAC; Sunbeam House Services CLG; Talbot Care Unlimited Company; The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland; The Rehab Group; and Western Care Association.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Dublin operated by St Michael’s House, the sitting room was spacious and had individualised activity boxes for the residents. For example, one resident's knitting box was placed conveniently next to the chair they liked to use regularly. There were photos of residents displayed in the sitting room, which contributed to the homely aesthetic of the centre.
• At a centre operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company, a resident spoke to the inspector about their excitement for their upcoming birthday and that this would be the first in their new home with friends and family attending. The resident also discussed their plans for holding a summer garden party, and had discussed their plans for this with staff.
• At a centre operated by The Rehab Group, there was a large garden with seating, a trampoline, water and sand play tables, a play house and a sensory area with colourful plants and drums all available for residents. A family representative praised the care their child received in this centre and said they always looked well returning from their respite break.

Non-compliances that impacted on the delivery of care and support to residents were identified in seven other centres.

Poor governance was identified at a centre operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG. The provider had not ensured that residents’ healthcare needs were being met or that safeguarding incidents were appropriately managed. In addition, improvements were needed in the staffing and management of the centre.

Inspectors found poor governance at a centre operated by St Joseph's Foundation. Improvements were needed in managing safeguarding incidents and promoting residents’ privacy and dignity.

Improvements were needed at two centres operated by Rehab Group to meet residents’ needs. At one centre, the provider had not adequately managed risks and safeguarding incidents for residents.

Poor governance was identified at two centres operated by Western Care Association. Improvements were needed in fire safety and the premises to ensure the safety of all residents.

Finally, better staffing arrangements and improvements to the premises were required to meet residents’ needs at a centre operated by St Michael's House.