The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 19 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 and respite services for people with disabilities in Ireland. 

Inspections found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 13 centres, including in centres operated by Ability West, An Breacadh Nua, the COPE Foundation, and Dundas Ltd. In these centres, inspectors found that the provider was ensuring a good standard of care and quality of life to residents. 

Eight inspection reports on centres provided by Brothers of Charity have been published today. While five centres were found to be meeting the standards and regulations, non-compliance was identified in three centres. In all three centres, the provider did not have adequate oversight of the quality and safety of the care delivered to residents. Improvements were required to strengthen governance and management arrangements in these centres, as well as a number of other regulations which were not being met.   

Reports on two Daughters of Charity Support Services centres found that one centre was operating in compliance with the regulations. In the other centre, inspectors found that while the service was meeting residents’ needs, there continued to be a requirement to improve fire precaution arrangements. 

Two inspection reports on Health Service Executive (HSE) centres have been published. Inspectors found that one centre was generally meeting residents’ needs. Notices of proposal to cancel the registration and refuse the renewal of registration of another HSE centre had previously been issued. While the provider had taken action to bring about improvement, at the time of this inspection that action had not resulted in sufficient improvements in the quality of life for residents. Following the inspection, the provider was required to take further action and was informed that failure to ensure improvements for residents could result in a decision to cancel the registration of the centre. Inspectors are continuing to monitor this centre closely. 

An inspection of a respite centre provided by C.A.S.A. Break Houses found that the provider could not ensure a quality and safe service was delivered to residents. The provider was required to make improvements across a number of regulations such as risk management procedures, fire precautions and staffing. The provider has since notified the Office of Chief Inspector that this centre is no longer operating.