Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 28 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 28 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 15 centres operated by a number of providers including: Avista CLG; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG; Health Service Executive (HSE); L'Arche Ireland; Nua Healthcare Services Limited; St John of God Community Services CLG; Horizons; Muiríosa Foundation; and Offaly Centre for Independent Living CLG.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• At a centre in Limerick operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, staffing arrangements supported residents to attend their preferred activities,. Some residents enjoyed going out shopping and visiting local cafes, while others enjoyed reflexology, pet therapy and baking. Individualised and group activities were planned for residents each week, which reflected their interests and hobbies.
• At a HSE-operated centre in Mayo, inspectors noted that the provider had developed picture-based communication supports for residents to support their understanding of complex issues.
• Residents were being supported by staff to engage with local activities and community groups at a centre in Louth operated by St John of God Community Services CLG. Some residents liked to visit their local pubs while two residents had taken part in a fundraising bicycle ride to raise funds for a local community group.
   

Non-compliance that impacted on the delivery of care and support to residents was identified in 13 other centres. 

At a centre operated by L'Arche Ireland improvements were required by the provider in managing safeguarding incidents between residents.

At two centres operated by Horizons, poor governance impacted on residents. Staffing arrangements required improvement to meet residents’ needs. Improvements were also needed to the premises, fire safety measures and in managing risks. 

Poor governance meant that residents’ rights and choices were not supported at a centre operated by Communicare Agency Ltd. Improvements were also needed to ensure appropriate arrangements for the support of behaviours that challenged.

Poor governance arrangements were identified at six centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. Across these centres, improvements were required to the premises, in managing residents’ risks, and staff training.  Improvements were needed in fire safety measures and managing residents’ risks at two centres operated by KARE, Promoting Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Finally, the management of residents’ finances required improvement at a centre operated by Muiríosa Foundation.