Disability services publication statement 22 June 2021

Date of publication:

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 good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 13 centres, including in centres operated by Alder Services; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG; Carriglea Cáirde Services; Co Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) CLG; Dara Residential Services and Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services Company.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

  • In a Co Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) CLG centre, a staff member had made a sensory cushion for a resident, as they knew the resident liked to touch and explore various textures. 
  • Residents in an Ability West centre in Roscommon were involved in the planning of their care and the running of their home. This was done through daily engagement between residents and staff members. 
  • In a Carriglea Cáirde Services centre in Waterford, there was a strong focus on residents’ participation in activities. There were photographs showing the various activities, outings and social engagements that residents had been involved in prior to COVID-19.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 17 inspections.

An inspection of An Breacadh Nua centre found that resident’s personal plans had not been updated to reflect their changed weekly schedules and goals during the COVID-19 restrictions. Fire safety arrangements at the centre also required improvement. 

Non-compliance was identified in inspections of seven Brothers of Charity Services Ireland centres. In three centres, the provider needed to strengthen governance and oversight to ensure that the service provided was safe, consistent and appropriate to residents’ needs. In another centre, they had not ensured that staff had access to appropriate training to support residents. In one centre, inspectors found that the provider had not ensured that residents had the freedom to exercise choice and control in their lives. In another centre, safeguarding concerns had not been effectively reported to management.  Furthermore, one centre’s design and layout did not meet residents’ needs.

Inspectors found non-compliance in two COPE Foundation centres. In one centre, inspectors found that the management of the centre needed to be improved. In the other centre, appropriate staffing levels were not in place to meet residents’ needs. 

Inspectors found non-compliance in six Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services centres. Two centres required improvements to strengthen governance and management procedures and to ensure that the current staffing arrangements met residents’ needs. In another centre, improvements were required to staff supervision arrangements. In another centre, its design and layout was not suitable to meet the number and needs of residents. In two centres, improvement was required to ensure that restrictive practices were the least restrictive available. 

  • Reports published 22 June 2021

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