The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 16 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.

Reports for 11 centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services have been published. A good level of compliance with the regulations was found in nine centres. Eight of these were full-18 outcome inspections, carried out to register the centres. Inspectors found that systems were in place to meet residents’ needs in these centres. However, inspectors found that the provider had not ensured an adequate level of compliance in two centres.

Fire safety risks had not been adequately assessed in one centre operated by Brothers of Charity Services. Inspectors issued an immediate action plan to address this at the time of inspection.  A number of significant risks were identified in another centre. Following the inspection, the provider was required to meet with HIQA to discuss the findings and to submit a time-specific action plan to address the serious non-compliances. An adequate action plan was not received, and the Authority is considering further regulatory action in relation to this issue.

Four reports published today refer to centres operated by Ability West. An inspection in one centre found a good level of compliance with the regulations. Improvements were required in two centres in relation to medicines management and risk management.  Fire safety risks were identified in a fourth centre operated by this centre. The provider was required to put measures in place to ensure all residents could evacuate the centre in the event of a fire.

One report has been published for a community-based centre provided by Ard Aoibhinn Community Initiatives Ltd. While the centre was found to be compliant or substantially compliant in the majority of outcomes inspected, the provider was required to put further fire safety measures in place.