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 16 centres operated by a number of providers including; S O S Kilkenny CLG, St John of God Community Services CLG, St Michael's House, Steadfast House CLG, Sunbeam House Services CLG, Talbot Care Unlimited Company, The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, and The Children's Sunshine Home.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• At a centre in Kilkenny operated by S O S Kilkenny CLG, residents said they were happy in their homes and were observed to be relaxed and comfortable with staff. Staff supported residents to enjoy a range of activities. One resident spoke about a gardening project which would create a quiet place to remember a friend who had passed away. Another resident enjoyed art, and had a designated space at the centre where their easel was set up for them to paint. 
• A resident at a centre in Louth operated by St John of God Community Services CLG was supported by staff to create a memory book containing photos of important events, such as family celebrations, which enabled the resident to recall important life events when speaking with the inspector. Residents were actively involved in the running of their home through regular meetings which discussed weekly menus and plans for future social activities.
• At a centre operated by St Michael’s House in Dublin, one resident’s needs were supported through an ‘All about Me’ document and visual formats, which they valued. They told staff how they preferred to be supported and the goals they were working achieve. 

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 11 inspections.

A high level of non-compliance was identified at a centre operated by St Michael’s House. Improvements where required in areas such as staff training, residents’ rights, and protection against infection. At another centre operated by the same provider, improvements in staff training was also required.

At a centre operated by St. Joseph’s Foundation, improvements were required in the quality and safety of care provided to residents, including infection control. 

Three inspection reports have been published on centres operated by St John of God Community Services CLG. Procedures to receive and manage complaints required improvement at one centre, while improved measures to protect against infection were required at another centre. Improvements were also required in areas such as governance and premises at another centre operated by the same provider.

Two inspection reports have been published on centres operated by Stewarts Care Limited. Improvements in fire safety measures were required at both centres, with further improvements being required to the premises at one of the centres.

Ongoing compatibility issues and behavioural incidents negatively impacted on residents’ lived experiences at a centre operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG.

Repairs and the cleanliness of the premises were identified as issues at a centre operated by Cheshire Foundation in Ireland. Improvements were also required to ensure compliance in the role of the person in charge. 

Finally, improved measures to protect against infection were required at a centre operated by the Rehab Group.

Read all reports at the link below.