Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 15 inspection reports on residential centres for older people. HIQA independently monitors 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 older people living in nursing homes are safe and well looked after.

Of the reports published today, six refer to inspections against 10 outcomes, five are thematic inspections focusing on dementia care, two are single specific-issue inspections, one is a fire safety inspection and one is a follow-up inspection.

Evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards was found in 12 centres. These inspections found that residents’ needs were being met and the care delivered was safe, in line with the National Standards and regulations.

Inspections found evidence of non-compliance in three centres. Residents’ needs were not always met in these centres, and inspectors identified non-compliances in areas such as health and safety and risk management; safeguarding and safety; safe and suitable premises; and residents’ rights, dignity and consultation.