The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 17 reports on residential 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 in Ireland.

Inspections in 10 centres found a good level of compliance with the requirements of the regulations and standards, including centres operated by Praxis Care, COPE Foundation and St. Joseph’s Foundation.

Reports on four centres operated by the Muiríosa Foundation were published today. A good standard of support and care was found in three of these centres. In one of the centres, the inspector identified concerns which needed to be addressed in areas including safe and suitable premises, and safeguarding and safety.

Three reports refer to centres operated by Enable Ireland. Two centres were found to provide a service that, in general, met residents’ needs. Inspectors found in one of these centres that actions needed to be addressed in health, safety and risk management.

Four reports relate to centres operated by St. Michael’s House. Inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in three centres. However, the provider was required to make significant improvements in one of these centres to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of each resident is being maintained.  

Inspectors also found areas of non-compliance that were impacting the service provided to residents in three reports published today by centres operated by St Mary’s Centre (Telford), Sunbeam House, and Kerry Parents and Friends Association. Concerns were identified in areas including governance and management; safeguarding and safety, medication management and workforce.