Disability publication statement 05 September 2018

Date of publication:

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 26 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.

Of the 26 reports, 22 inspections found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards, including in centres operated by Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiatives, BEAM Housing Association, Camphill Communities of Ireland and Dara Residential Services. Non-compliance with the regulations and standards was found in four centres.

Seven inspection reports published today refer to six centres run by Ability West. Five centres were operating in line with the regulations and standards. However, an inspection of another Ability West centre found that improvements continued to be required in key areas such as assessing residents’ health and social care needs, managing risk, and safeguarding residents. A follow-up inspection of this centre, also published today, found that these issues have since been satisfactorily addressed.

Reports on 12 centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services have been published. While 10 centres were found to provide a good standard of care, improvements were required in two centres. Inspectors found ineffective governance, operational management and administration in these two centres, which was impacting on the quality of care and support delivered to residents.

Two inspection reports on centres provided by COPE Foundation have also been published. One centre was found to be meeting the requirements of the regulations and standards. In a second centre, the number and skill-mix of staff was not sufficient to meet residents’ healthcare needs at the time of inspection.