Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 21 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 services for people with disabilities in Ireland. 

Of these 21 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 17 centres, including in centres operated by Resilience Healthcare Limited; St Catherine's Association Company Limited; St Christopher's Services Company Limited; St Hilda's Services; St John of God Community Services Company Limited; St Michael's House; Stewarts Care Limited; Sunbeam House Services Company Limited by Guarantee; and Western Care Association. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these centres. 

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• In a Resilience Healthcare centre, children were viewed as individuals with unique strengths and talents. The atmosphere in the home was busy yet calm and children were observed coming in from school, having a snack and being well supported by staff. There was lots of laughter observed by the inspector in the house amongst the children and staff.   
• Residents in a St Hilda's Services centre were supported with individual and group activities during the day, including foot spas, music, DVDs, singing and walks. Residents had full and easy access around their home as they wished. The residents had also started participating in arts and crafts classes via video conferencing. 
• In a Stewarts Care centre, residents had access to a wide range of allied healthcare services, including the provider's own clinical team and a range of community services. The inspector reviewed residents' healthcare support plans and found that these provided clear guidance and were informed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on four inspections. 

Inspectors found non-compliance in three St. John of God Community Services centres. Improvements were found to be required in the area of governance and management, fire safety arrangements and information provision to residents (residents’ guide).   

In a Sunbeam House Services Company respite centre, each individual had an assessment of need completed which identified their health and social care needs. However, it was not evident if some assessments had been reviewed within the last 12 months.

Read all reports at www.hiqa.ie