Today the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 29 inspection reports into residential centres for adults and children with disabilities.

Six of these reports relate to three services run by the Irish Society for Autism. They cover a period of time when the chief inspector had identified significant concerns relating the care and welfare of residents. This resulted in escalated enforcement activity.

The provider was offered a number of opportunities to address the failings identified. HIQA instigated escalated action including; increased monitoring activity, provider meetings and warning letters. This did not result in sufficient improvement and resulted in the Chief Inspector issuing a Notice of Decision to Cancel and Refuse the registration of the three centres.

The provider appealed the decision to the district court in the case of two of the centres. Subsequently the provider withdrew these appeals in court and the Health Service Executive (HSE) was directed to take charge of these centres. The provider did not appeal the notice in relation to the third centre and the HSE was also directed to take charge of this centre.

There are six reports relating to adult and children’s services run by Daughters of Charity. A number of major and moderate non-compliances were found across these centres, including : Health and Safety and Risk Management; Healthcare Needs; and Governance and Management.

Nine inspection reports into centres run by St John of God have been published. Seven of these inspections were announced, while two were unannounced. Overall, the majority of these centres were found to be compliant.

Eight Rehabcares centre reports are also published today. Four of these reports relate to full 18-Outcome inspections. Seven of these centres were found to be compliant with the regulations.