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 14 centres, including in centres operated by Ability West; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG; Clann Mór Residential and Respite Company Limited; COPE Foundation; and Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services Company Limited. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these 14 centres. 

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

•  Residents in a Clann Mór Residential and Respite Company told the inspector that the national restrictions for COVID-19 had impacted on their lives but that they were coping well. Residents spoke fondly of a bingo party which was held every Friday and was coordinated by the person in charge via video conferencing. These bingo parties also included dance and talent competitions with prizes for the best participants.
• Staff in a COPE Foundation centre supported one resident outside their house to use a drone. The inspector was informed that this resident had a great interest in aeroplanes and trains. Staff introduced the drone to the resident as an alternative activity that they could use on the grounds around the centre during the COVID-19 restrictions.

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

Inspectors found non-compliance in two Ability West centres. Non-compliances were identified in critical areas such as governance and management, risk management procedures, positive behavioural support, residents' rights and notification of incidents. Several serious safeguarding incidents had occurred that had impacted negatively on residents' safety and quality of life. The inspector found that significant improvements were required in the quality and safety of care provided to residents in both centres. 

Two centres operated by the Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services required improvements to strengthen governance and management and resident safety measures. Improvements were found to be specifically required in the areas of resident safeguarding and fire safety measures in these centres.  

Inspectors found non-compliance in three Brothers of Charity Services centres. In two centres the registered provider failed to demonstrate that there were effective fire safety management systems in place and that all residents could be evacuated in the event of a fire. In another centre, the systems to ensure all residents were adequately safeguarded at all times required review.

An inspection of a Delta Centre found that the provider had not ensured the appropriate management of fire precautions and identified issues with the servicing of fire equipment.

Read all reports at www.hiqa.ie.