Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 30 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 30 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 19 centres operated by a number of providers including: Ability West; Abode Doorway to Life CLG; Avista CLG; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG; Camphill Communities of Ireland; Co Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) CLG; and Communicare Agency Ltd.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• At a centre in Limerick operated by Avista CLG, staff spoke about how residents expressed their faith and spirituality which very important to them. A number of residents attended mass weekly or were supported to watch mass on television. Residents also engaged in a variety of other activities in line with their interests. One resident was an avid gardener and had recently completed a horticultural course at the local educational centre. The resident had planted flowers in pots which were on display at the centre’s front door. The resident was also a member of the local tidy towns.
• During an inspection of a centre in Clare operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, residents were attending the local men’s shed with the support of staff. Residents described what they did such as growing vegetables and helping with the construction of different items, including a water feature which they were currently involved in. One resident proudly showed the inspector a new jacket they had recently purchased for working outdoors, while the other resident showed three pairs of rubber boots from the shed.
• Residents of a centre in Dublin operated by Avista CLG had a pet dog. Residents had framed pictures with their dog and pictures of dog walks they had done in the local community. The inspectors reviewed residents’ support plans and found them to be in-depth in nature, including step-by-step approaches to support residents to achieve their personal goals. The person in charge, support team and multidisciplinary team had a strong focus on achieving goals that were meaningful to each resident and which would enhance residents’ relationships with their families and loved ones.
   

Non-compliance that impacted on the delivery of care and support to residents was identified in 11 other centres.

Poor governance increased risks for residents at a centre operated by Communicare Agency Ltd. Two urgent actions were issued to the provider to address risks impacting upon a resident. In addition, an immediate action was issued relating to the management of safeguarding concerns and to ensure the provider followed national safeguarding policies.

Non-compliance was identified at three centres operated by Camphill Communities of Ireland. In one centre, safeguarding incidents impacted upon the welfare and wellbeing of residents. In the remaining centres, improvements were needed in staffing and governance and oversight arrangements.

Non-compliance was identified at a centre operated by Cheeverstown House CLG. Improvements were required by the provider in managing risks, fire safety measures, and arrangements for residents’ personal finances.

Non-compliance was identified at two centres operated by Avista CLG. Improvements were required in one centre in areas such as governance and management, staff training and staffing arrangements to meet residents’ needs. At the second centre, improvements to the premises and staff training were required. 

At a centre operated by The Rehab Group, improvement was required in the premises to respect residents’ privacy. At a centre operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, improvement was required in the management of safeguarding incidents.

Improvements were required in measures to protect against infection and fire safety at a centre operated by Ability West.

Finally, the written policies and procedures at a centre operated by Victoria Healthcare Organisation Limited required review.