Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 22 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 and respite services for people with disabilities in Ireland.

The reports published today represent a significant change in how HIQA reports the findings of an inspection. The report layout now includes the following sections: about the designated centre, views of the people who use the service, capacity and capability of the registered provider, and the quality and safety of the service. Furthermore, a compliance plan at the end of each report includes a risk rating of all the regulations found to be substantially compliant or not compliant on inspection.

Of the 22 reports published today, 19 centres were found to have a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards, including centres operated by Ability West, Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services, Nua Healthcare Services, Peter Bradley Foundation, RehabCare, St Catherine’s Association and St Michael’s House. Non-compliance with the regulations and standards was found in three centres.

Reports on three centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services have been published. While a good standard of care was being delivered to meet residents’ changing needs in two centres, the provider had not ensured the safety of all residents was maintained at all times in another centre.

Inspections of two centres run by Health Service Executive (HSE) found that residents’ health and social care needs were appropriately supported; however, the premises of one centre was in a poor state of repair and failed to meet the needs of all residents.

Inspectors found that residents’ healthcare needs were not always being suitably assessed in a Western Care Association centre.