Disability services publication statement 12 November 2019

Date of publication:

Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 27 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 27 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 21 centres, including in centres operated by G.A.L.R.O. Limited; Health Service Executive (HSE); KARE, Promoting Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities; Kerry Parents and Friends Association; MMC Children’s Services Limited; Muiríosa Foundation; and Offaly Centre for Independent Living CLG. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these 21 centres.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

  • residents were facilitated to exercise choice across a range of therapeutic and social activities and to have their choices and decisions respected in a centre run by KARE, Promoting Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities. For example, residents enjoyed going to the theatre, going for walks, going bowling, and taking part in various art and craft projects.
  • residents in a Kerry Parents and Friends Association centre were consulted about the running of their home in a meaningful way. Staff and residents sat together each week and discussed a range of matters such as the menu for the week, social events, complaints and keeping safe.
  • residents in a Muiríosa Foundation centre were supported to access various social activities, such as attending aqua aerobics and the local active retirement group. Residents had all either been supported to attend nights away, short holidays or day trips over the previous months. 

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

The governance and management of a Doorway to Life Ltd. centre required improvement to ensure the effective delivery of care and support of residents receiving residential and respite services. Not all notifications were made to HIQA within the timelines required by regulation, and information requested by inspectors was not provided during inspection. 

An inspection of a Dundas Ltd. centre found that the provider was not taking the necessary steps to identify and reduce areas of potential harm or risk to residents. 

In a HSE centre, the provider could not demonstrate oversight of the safety and quality of care delivered to residents as it had not carried out unannounced visits to the centre every six months. The HSE had not started refurbishment works required to another centre, despite this being a commitment following the previous inspection.  

Inspectors found institutionalised practice in a Peamount Healthcare centre which was negatively impacting on residents’ right to receive person-centred care. For example, meaningful activities listed as taking place for residents included completing fire drills and household chores. In another centre operated by this provider, inspectors found limited opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful community-based activities or for the development of valued social roles.

All reports and compliance plans are available on www.hiqa.ie.