Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 30 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 30 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 21 centres operated by a number of providers including: Health Service Executive (HSE); Lumen Healthcare Limited; Muiríosa Foundation; Nua Healthcare Services Limited; and The Rehab Group.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• Person-centred planning was evident throughout a centre operated by the HSE in Westmeath. Each resident had individualised goals, which were actively supported by staff. Visual aids such as posters and photographs were used to help residents engage with their goals and track progress. One resident was supported to take on a meaningful role delivering post from the provider’s main office to other designated centres, while another resident expressed a long-term goal of living independently.
• The inspector observed that staff were knowledgeable regarding residents’ assessed needs and preferences and planned activities, during an inspection of a centre in Offaly operated by Muiríosa Foundation. The inspector noted residents had opportunities to take part in activities that matched their interests. Staff supported one resident to go to a local town and do Christmas shopping for family gifts on the morning of the inspection. This resident also planned to meet with their family and enjoy a meal together in the run-up to Christmas.
• At a centre in Carlow operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited, residents had their own personalised day-service provision and had access to transport and the community when they wanted. Residents were supported to access activities relating to their own likes and interests such as going to the cinema, shopping, coffee, Pride events, going on holidays and visiting family, among others.  There was evidence that the designated centre was operated in a manner which was respectful of all residents’ rights. 
   

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

Poor governance impacted upon residents’ welfare at a centre operated by KARE, Promoting Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Improvement was required by the provider in managing safeguarding incidents and in residents’ personal plans.

Non-compliance was identified at four centres operated by the HSE. In one centre, an immediate action was issued to improve governance and staffing arrangements which were subsequently addressed by the provider. In two centres, improvements were required in different areas such as supporting residents’ behavioural needs, residents’ compatibility and staffing. In the remaining centre, improvements were required to residents’ personal care plans.

Poor governance was identified at a centre operated by Western Care Association, with improvements required in staffing arrangements, residents’ activities and the use of restrictive practices.  Finally, improvements were required at three centres operated by Muiríosa Foundation in different areas such as fire safety, residents’ contracts of care, finances and medications.