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 13 centres, including in centres operated by Ability West; An Breacadh Nua; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland; COPE Foundation; Health Service Executive; and Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services Company. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these 13 centres. 

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• In an Ability West centre, the provider had ensured that residents had a good quality of life with freedom to exercise choice and control in their daily lives. Residents had access to activities that they enjoyed in the local community and were also involved in meaningful activities and tasks in the centre.
• In a centre operated by An Breacadh Nua, children were observed to be very well supported. The children were seen to have an after school snack and were supported to complete their homework and go outside and play. Throughout the inspection the children appeared very relaxed and comfortable with the support offered by staff.
• In a COPE Foundation centre, over 20 residents were spoken with and supported to participate in many activities that they enjoyed, such as artwork and games within the centre. 

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

Inspectors found non-compliance with the regulations and standards in four Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services centres, including issues relating to the suitability of premises and staff training and development. Inspectors were concerned that a number of the issues found on these inspections had been previously identified to the provider, but had not been appropriately addressed.  

Inspectors found non-compliance in two Brothers of Charity Support Services Ireland centres. Effective governance and risk management systems were not in place to ensure that measures kept residents safe at all times. Urgent provider assurance was required regarding the fire safety and evacuation measures found in one centre. 

An inspection of a COPE Foundation centre found that staff support to residents was limited and appropriate measures were not taken to address previously identified regulatory breaches, particularly relating to residents’ wishes and assessed needs. 

In an Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland centre, the provider had failed to ensure appropriate practices regarding staff training and development, governance and management, fire safety measures, and notification of incidents. 

Read all reports at www.hiqa.ie.