Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 27 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 27 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 10 centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• In a Brothers of Charity Services centre in Cork, residents were supported by staff to express their interests with one resident having a telescope in their bedroom so they could enjoy their passion for star gazing. While another resident who played the drums, had their own drum kit in their bedroom.  
• Residents in a Brothers of Charity Services centre in Waterford, were supported to take an active part in their home and were involved in a garden project at the centre. The residents had sourced pallets and made their own garden seats, which were painted in their chosen colour and situated in the residents’ preferred part of the garden.  
• Residents in a Brothers of Charity Service in Galway were supported to access activities which echoed their personal interests and choices. Residents enjoyed a range of activities such as picnics, gardening and online music classes.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards in 17 inspections of designated centres operated by the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland. These centres were required to improve areas such as governance and management, risk management, supporting residents’ behavioural needs, privacy for residents and keeping residents’ personal plans up to date.

Read all reports from the link below