Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 15 reports on residential services 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.

Of the 15 reports published today, eight centres were found to have a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards, including centres operated by G.A.L.R.O. Limited and Co Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) CLG.

Seven reports have been published for centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services. Inspectors found that five of these centres were providing a good level of care and support in line with the regulations and standards. While inspectors found that residents received a good level of health and social care in one centre, improvement was required in a number of areas including complaints management and staffing resources. In another centre, residents had a good quality of life but the provider was required to ensure healthcare needs were appropriately met.

An inspection was carried out in a Cheeverstown House Limited centre to ensure that revised governance arrangements were resulting in positive outcomes for residents. Inspectors found that residents’ finances and rights were not adequately protected. In addition, residents were not given opportunities to participate in meaningful activities, as appropriate to their needs and wishes.

Inspectors found good governance and management arrangement in a centre operated by the COPE Foundation. While areas for improvement were identified by inspectors, the person in charge was already aware of these issues and working to address them.

Three reports on centres operated by Daughters of Charity have been published. One centre was found to be meeting residents’ needs in line with the regulations. However, another centre was not designed or laid out to meet the number and needs of residents. In a third centre, residents’ social care and safeguarding needs were not adequately supported, with residents unable to have a meaningful day and to participate in activities.

While, overall, a good quality of care was being delivered in a Doorway to Life Ltd. centre, the provider had not carried out an annual review of the quality and safety of care in the centre as required by the regulations.