The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 23 reports on residential services 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 and respite services across all disability services in Ireland.

Of the 23 reports published, 14 of the inspections found that, in general, the provider was ensuring a good level of compliance with the requirements of the regulations. Three centres operated by WALK, two centres operated by St Michael’s House, one centre run by Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiatives Limited, and one centre operated by Camphill Communities were found to be compliant with the regulations and standards.

Inspectors found two major non-compliances due to fire safety risks and accessibility issues for residents in a community-based centre run by COPE Foundation.

Seven of today’s reports relate to centres operated by Brothers of Charity. Inspections in three of these centres found evidence of good practice in supporting residents. While inspectors found that residents received a good quality service in two other centres, neither centre had a fire alarm in place. In another centre, over half of staff had not attended medicines management training and medication errors had occurred. Inspectors found that some residents in another centre were not compatible and that there were regular altercations between residents in that house.

Six reports on centres operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) were also published today. In four of these centres, inspectors found a good level of compliance. In another HSE centre, inspectors found that while there were positive experiences for residents, improvement was required in staff training, the statement of purpose and records. One centre had previously been operated by the Irish Society for Autism, but due to significant risks to residents, the Chief Inspector had cancelled their registration and the HSE took over the running of the centre. Inspectors were satisfied that the new arrangements had resulted in improvements to the quality of life and safety of residents in this centre. Inspectors found that one HSE centre lacked an adequately person-centred approach to care provision. 

Two centres operated by Praxis Care were found to be non-compliant with the regulations and standards. In one centre, improvements were required in meeting residents’ goals, and in the maintenance and upkeep of the centre. In the other centre, access to the community for residents was limited by low staffing levels. Inspectors found this was impacting on the centre’s ability to meet residents’ social care needs.