The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 49 inspection reports on residential centres for older people. Inspections were carried out between March and August 2023. The Chief Inspector has statutory responsibility for independently regulating designated centres for older people for compliance with the Health Act (2007) Regulations and the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland (2016), to ensure that the people living in these services are safe and well cared for.

Of the 49 reports published, inspectors found evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards in a number of inspections.  Four thematic inspection reports focusing on the use of restrictive practice were found to be compliant with the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. A further 20 centres were either fully compliant or substantially compliant with the national standards and regulations. In general, these centres were found to be meeting residents’ needs and delivering care in line with the national standards and regulations. 

Levels of non-compliance varied in the remaining inspection reports, with 15 centres non-compliant with three regulations or less, and 10 centres non-compliant with four or more regulations. On these inspections, non-compliance was identified in areas including; governance and management, fire precautions, protection, staffing, training and staff development, records, contract for the provision of services, premises, infection control, and residents' rights.

Where non-compliance with the regulations was identified, providers were required to submit compliance plans to demonstrate how they will make improvements and come into compliance with the regulations.

A full list of reports published today accompanies this statement. 

Reports and compliance plans can be found by following the link below.