The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 25 inspection reports on designated 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 for people with disabilities in Ireland.

Inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 22 inspections, including in centres operated by Ability West, An Breacadh Nua, Brothers of Charity, Cheeverstown House CLG, ChildVision Company Limited by Guarantee, Clann Mór Residential and Respite, Dundas Ltd, Enable Ireland Disability Services Limited, G.A.L.R.O. Limited, and Gateway Community Care Limited. In these centres, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care at the time of inspection. Non-compliance with regulations and standards was found in three inspections.

A report on a centre operated by the COPE Foundation has been published. This centre was scheduled to close by 31 December 2018 because the premises did not meet the needs of residents. However, the provider applied to extend this date due to delays in the transitioning of residents to more suitable accommodation. Overall, inspectors found that there was inadequate management and oversight of the centre, and the quality of support and care to residents was poor, with non-compliances found in areas such as infection control, individual assessments and personal plans and risk management. There was no evidence that the provider was reviewing the service to identify such deficits or that they were taking action to address them. The provider has submitted a plan to address the issues in this centre and inspectors continue to monitor this centre closely.

Also published this morning is a report on a centre operated by Camphill Communities of Ireland. This inspection was undertaken following the receipt of information regarding the safeguarding of residents at this centre. Inspectors found that the centre was not being managed adequately and that there were issues relating to the number and skill mix of staff in the centre, which impacted on residents’ welfare. Additionally, a number of serious incidents had not been reported to HIQA in line with regulatory requirements. Further non-compliance was identified in areas such as training and staff development, and risk management.

An inspection of a centre operated by Bradbury House Ireland found that, while a good standard of care was being delivered to residents, improvement was required to the centre’s risk management processes.