The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 18 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 nine centres found a good level of compliance with the requirements of the regulations and standards, including centres operated by G.A.L.R.O. Limited, KARE, Promoting Inclusion For People With Intellectual Disabilities, L’Arche Ireland, SOS Kilkenny Company Limited and Saint Patricks Centre (Kilkenny).

Two reports relate to one centre operated by Stepping Stones Residential Care Limited. On the second inspection, inspectors found that significant improvements had been made since the first inspection, finding the centre fully compliant with the regulations and standards.

Reports on four centres operated by Rehabcare have also been published today. A good standard of practice was found in two of these centres. In one of these centres the provider was required to take immediate action to ensure significant improvements were made to the safeguarding and safety of residents. In another centre, inspectors found continued high levels of major non-compliance with the regulations. The provider has subsequently been issued with a notice of proposal to cancel the registration of this service.

Seven reports have been published for centres operated by St John of God Community Services. One centre was found to provide a service that, in general, met residents’ needs. In another centre, inspectors found that the quality of care and support provided to residents had improved significantly since it was previously inspected. While improvements were also found in two other centres, the provider was required to take significant actions in areas of safe and suitable premises, governance and management and workforce. Three other centres operated by this provider were found to have significant concerns which needed to be addressed including health and safety and risk management, admission and contract provision of services, and safe and suitable premises.