Disability services publication statement 14 February 2024

Date of publication:
  • Reports published 14 February 2024

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Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 23 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 23 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 15 centres operated by a number of providers including: Muiríosa Foundation, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, Peacehaven Trust CLG, Peamount Healthcare, Resilience Healthcare Limited, RK Respite Services Ltd, 
SOS Kilkenny CLG, St John of God Community Services CLG, St Michael's House, Steadfast House CLG and Stewarts Care DAC.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

  • At a centre in Laois operated by Muiríosa Foundation, residents enjoyed the freedom to do what they enjoyed in a comfortable home, supported by attentive staff. A pet dog living at the centre contributed to a homely feeling for residents.  
  • At a centre in Cork operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited, residents were supported with activities and daily living skills such as cooking, completing household tasks and using banking facilities. Staff were observed responding in a respectful manner and supporting residents to make decisions about their daily lives and personal preferences.
  • Residents were observed receiving a person-centred service at a centre in Dublin operated by St Michael's House. Staff were knowledgeable about residents’ needs and supported both their communication styles and personal needs. 

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards in eight other centres.

Poor governance was identified at four centres operated by Muiríosa Foundation. At one centre, urgent fire safety measures were required to ensure the safety of residents. Across the remaining three centres, residents were impacted by the condition of the premises, inadequate access to finances and inadequate fire safety measures.

Poor governance was identified in a centre operated by Peamount Healthcare and insufficient staffing impacted on residents’ care and living arrangements there.

Residents of a centre operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company were adversely affected by poor management of risks and the use of restrictive practices.

Residents’ control over their finances required improvement at a centre operated by St Catherine's Association CLG.

Finally, residents’ safety was undermined due to inadequate fire safety measures at a centre operated by the Rehab Group.