Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 22 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 22 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 19 centres, including in centres operated by Resilience Healthcare Limited; St John of God Community Services Company Limited; St Joseph's Foundation; St Michael's House; Steadfast House Company Limited; Stepping Stones Residential Care Limited; Sunbeam House Services Company Limited; Three Steps Limited; Waterford Intellectual Disability Association Company Limited; and Western Care Association. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these 19 centres. 

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• In a Waterford Intellectual Disability Association centre, the physical facilities were assessed to ensure they met the needs of residents using the respite service. The facilities included the use of an on-site hydrotherapy pool.
• Residents in a Steadfast House Company Centre had a model of care and support that was person centred and focused on residents’ quality of life. This respected the rights and wishes of residents living in the centre, while creating a warm, homely and comfortable place for residents to live in.
• In a St Joseph’s Foundation centre, one resident proudly told the inspector about an accredited training they were participating in at a nearby college and the change from attending college to now studying online.

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

A follow-up inspection of a St Mary’s Centre (Telford) centre was carried out in relation to residents' care and support following the provider’s application to the High Court for voluntary liquidation. This had led to the appointment of interim liquidators and the liquidators were now operating the centre on behalf of the provider. While the experience for residents continued to be upsetting, inspectors found that the liquidators had made improvements in the management of the centre and communication with residents. Since this inspection, HIQA has cancelled the registration of St Mary’s Centre (Telford) and the operation of the centre has been taken over by the Health Service Executive. 

In a St Michael’s House centre, improvements were required in relation to a safeguarding issue due to incompatibility between residents. Following inspection, the Chief Inspector referred these matters to the National Disability Safeguarding Office, raising concerns in relation to the safeguarding matters and the lack of evidence to demonstrate the consistent and effective implementation of National Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults policies and procedures. 

A risk-based inspection of a Stepping Stones Residential Care centre found that current governance and management arrangements did not demonstrate effective oversight of the centre. There was no active person in charge and therefore the lines of authority and responsibility were unclear. This negatively impacted the capacity and capability of the centre, which adversely impacted residents lived experiences. 

Read all reports at www.hiqa.ie.