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 good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 14 centres, including in centres operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited; Prosper Fingal Company Limited by Guarantee; RehabCare; S O S Kilkenny Company Limited; St Christopher's Services Company Limited; St John of God Community Services Company Limited; St Joseph's Foundation; Sunbeam House Services Company Limited; The Children's Sunshine Home and Three Steps Limited.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• Respite users in a Prosper Fingal Company centre in Dublin, were observed engaging in a range of activities including drawing, participating in an online bingo session, preparing meals and playing games. There was a sense of fun and enjoyment in the centre at the time of the inspection and the inspector observed a friendly approach from staff when supporting residents’ needs. 
• In a St John of God Community Services centre in Dublin, children were supported to engage in play and recreational activities, with a well-equipped and adapted sensory room being available to support wheelchair user’s needs. 
• In a Three Steps Limited centre in Meath, residents were supported to achieve their goals and learn new skills. For example, some residents were attending day services online and, on the day of this inspection, one resident was attending a virtual cookery course. The resident appeared to enjoy this activity and staff were observed to be supportive. 

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on 14 inspections, including the following: 

Inspectors found non-compliance in two Nua Healthcare Services centres. In one centre, the inspector observed a high level of restrictive practice which impacted on residents' choice and control over their daily lives. In the other centre, management arrangements had failed to address ongoing safeguarding concerns associated with the overall compatibility of residents at the centre. 

Two centres operated by Stewarts Care required improvements to strengthen governance and management procedures and to ensure that both premises could meet the assessed needs of residents.  

In a Peter Bradley Foundation centre, the design and layout of communal space did not meet the needs of residents.

Inspectors found non-compliance in three Peamount Healthcare centres. In two of the centres, fire safety arrangements required improvement. In the third centre, a number of organisational policies had not been subject to regular review to ensure they were effective and up to date. 

An inspection of a Praxis Care centre found that compatibility and behavioural issues were having a negative impact on residents. 

An inspection of a St. Michael’s House centre found that improvements were required to the arrangements to protect residents from the risk of fire.

Read all reports at www.hiqa.ie.