Disability services publication statement 24 March 2022

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Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 29 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 29 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 11 centres, including in centres operated by St John of God Community Services Company Limited; St Joseph's Foundation; St Michael's House; Stewarts Care Limited; Sunbeam House Services Company Limited and Terra Glen Residential Care Services Limited. 

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

  • Residents in a Sunbeam House Services centre in Wicklow spoke excitedly about plans to move to a new centre in the coming weeks. A detailed transition plan was in place and residents had chosen furniture, paint colours and other items for their new home.
  • In a St Michael’s House centre in Dublin, residents' preferences and needs were supported, with their personal preferences and needs being mirrored in furnishings at the centre.
  • In a St John of God Community Services centre in Kerry, residents were actively involved in their local community. Residents were involved in their local Tidy Towns group, as well as attending a gym, the local church and enjoying meals out.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 18 inspections.  

At three centres operated by the Rehab Group, non-compliance was identified in areas such as fire precautions, staffing, protection and premises.  

Inspections in two centres operated by Steadfast House identified non-compliance in areas such as risk management procedures, protection and positive behavioural support. 

Inspections in three Stewarts Care Adult Services centres found that improvements were needed in areas such as fire precautions, premises and governance and management. 

Non-compliance was found in four centres operated by St John of God Community Services, with three centres requiring improvement to their fire evacuation arrangements. In the fourth centre, improvements were required in arrangements for the reporting of safeguarding concerns and infection control measures.

Inspectors found non-compliance in two St Michael’s House centres. In both centres, arrangements for the promotion of residents’ rights required improvement. Furthermore, one centre required improvements in safeguarding arrangements for residents. 

Inspectors found non-compliance in two centres operated by The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland. Improvements were required in risk management and fire safety arrangements.

In a Walkinstown Association For People With An Intellectual Disability centre, risk management arrangements required improvement.

Read all reports at the link below.

  • Reports published Thursday March 24 2022

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