Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 28 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 28 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 11 centres operated by a number of providers including; St John of God Community Services CLG, St Joseph's Foundation, St Michael's House, Steadfast House CLG, Stewarts Care Limited, Talbot Care Unlimited Company, and The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Wicklow operated by the Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, residents were complimentary about the care and support they received from staff at the centre. Residents spoke about how they felt both safe and happy at the centre, and were supported to enjoy a range of activities reflective of their needs and wishes. 
• At a centre in Kildare operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company, the inspector observed that effective arrangements were in place to ensure that residents’ needs were meet when availing of respite care at the centre. Both up-to-date needs assessments and transitional plans ensured according to families that their loved one’s social, emotional and medical need were meet during their stay.
• At a centre in Kerry operated by St John of God Community Services CLG, staff had completed human rights-based training which supported them to ensure residents were offered choice and greater access to their local community. Residents were also supported through adaptations to the centre’s premises and supports to aid the communication of their needs.

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

Three non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by St John of God Community Services CLG. Inspectors required the provider to take urgent action to ensure the safety of the premises for residents at two centres, while improvements were also needed in fire safety, governance and managing risks. At one centre operated by the same provider, arrangements for managing residents’ personal finances required improvement.

Three non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by St Michael’s House. A high level of non-compliance was identified at one centre around residents’ support, fire safety, and the premises. At the two other centres, improvements were needed in fire precautions and residents’ personal plans. 

Two non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company. An urgent action was issued to the provider to manage incidents and support residents’ behaviour in one centre, while admission arrangements required improvement at the other centre.

Four reports have been published on centres operated by the Rehab Group. Across these centres, improvements were required in different areas such as residents’ rights, the premises, managing medications and complaints. 

A centre operated by St Catherine's Association CLG was found to be non-compliant due to safeguarding concerns, insufficient staffing and training. Maintenance works were required to the premises of a centre operated by Stewarts Care Limited. At a centre operated by St. Joseph's Foundation, improvements were required in residents’ personal plans, staff training and governance. 

Finally, two centres operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG required improvements in staffing, residents’ living arrangements and the condition and suitability of the premises.