The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 22 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 22 reports published, 12 of the inspections found that, in general, the provider was ensuring a good level of compliance with the requirements of the regulations. One centre operated by each of the following providers was found to have a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards: Delta Centre Ltd., Gateway Organisation, Kerry Friends and Parents Association, L’Arche Ireland, Muiriosa Foundation, Stepping Stones and the Cheshire Foundation.

Four major non-compliances were found at a centre operated by Peamount Healthcare. Areas of concern included the residents’ social care needs not being met, inadequate staffing levels and skill-mix, and inadequate fire containment arrangements.

Non-compliances in relation to fire safety were found at a centre operated by St Catherine’s Association, as well as in a centre operated by North West Parents and Friends Association for Mentally Handicapped Children.

Four reports on centres operated by Nua Healthcare Services were also published today. One of these centres was found to have a good level of compliance with the regulations. In a proposed new centre being inspected to inform a registration decision, inspectors noted a good level of compliance and HIQA will continue to monitor this centre to ensure a good quality of service is provided once the centre is operational. However, in another centre, there were eight major non-compliances, with concerns including some care practices which did not respect residents’ dignity and respect, and that parts of the centre were very unclean and required maintenance. In another centre, inspectors were concerned that appropriate measures were not in place to adequately safeguard residents.

Furthermore, seven reports on centres operated by St John of God Community Services were published today. Three of these reports showed a good level of compliance with the regulations. However, four reports on three centres showed various levels of non-compliance with the regulations. At one centre, the majority of residents were happy and comfortable in their homes; however, there were issues primarily due to the living arrangements. In another centre, inspectors found that the premises were not suitable for their stated purpose and governance and management needed to be improved.    

Two reports were published for one of the centres operated by St John of God Community Services. In this centre, inspectors found that residents were not safe or appropriately protected from abuse and harm. A notice of proposal to refuse and cancel registration of the designated centre was subsequently issued. The second inspection found that, while there continued to be significant non-compliances, the provider had taken action to effectively reduce the risk to residents and were implementing a plan to further improve the living arrangements for residents. HIQA will continue to closely monitor the provider to ensure that the improvements for residents are sustained.