Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 24 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 24 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 20 centres, including in centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland; Camphill Communities of Ireland, CoAction West Cork; COPE Foundation; Dara Residential Services; Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services; Delta Centre Company; Dundas Ltd; G.A.L.RO. Limited; and Redwood Extended Care Facility. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these 20 centres.

Non-compliance with the regulations and standards was found on four inspections.  

Inspections of nine Brothers of Charity Services Ireland centres found that eight were compliant with regulations and standards. In another centre, the service was not adequately resourced to deliver care and support in line with residents’ assessed needs. For example, staffing levels at night time negatively impacted on the quality and safety of the service. 

Five inspection reports on Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services have also been published this morning. The provider was issued with an urgent action to ensure effective fire management systems were in place in one centre.   

An inspection of a centre operated by Peamount Healthcare found that residents did not have opportunities to access and participate in meaningful activities. Inspectors found that the staffing levels and skill-mix were insufficient to meet residents’ needs.

Inspections of two centres operated by Redwood Extended Care Facility found that one centre was complying with the regulations and standards. However, significant improvements were required to adequately protect against fire in another centre.

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