The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 24 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 14 centres, including centres operated by KARE, L’Arche Ireland, Muiríosa Foundation, Nua Healthcare Services, Praxis Care and Western Care Association. In these centres, the provider was ensuring a good standard of care and quality of life to residents at the time of inspection. 

Four inspection reports have been published on centres provided by St John of God Community Services. Three centres were found to be operating in line with the regulations and standards. In the fourth centre, an inspection was carried out to follow-up on information HIQA received about a safeguarding incident. Inspectors found that the incident had not been appropriately managed, investigated or responded to. 

Inspections of two centres provided by the Peter Bradley Foundation (Acquired Brain Injury Ireland) found that fire upgrade works were required to ensure appropriate arrangements for responding to the risk of fire. 

Four inspection reports on St Michael’s House centres have been published. Inspectors found that three centres were generally meeting residents’ needs. In another centre, the provider had failed to implement improvements following previous inspections, and inspectors found that residents were not being protected from all forms of risk. 

Reports on three centres operated by Sunbeam House Services have been published. The provider notified HIQA of its intention to close one centre following the inspection. In a second centre, the systems for monitoring the quality and safety of care, including risk assessments, required improvement. The provider's oversight, governance and management arrangements of another centre required urgent review to ensure that the assessed needs of residents were provided for at all times in an effective and timely manner.

Inadequate management and oversight arrangements were found in a National Association of Housing for Visually Impaired centre. Significant improvements were required to ensure residents were fully supported and in receipt of a safe and quality service.