Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 25 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 25 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in eight centres operated by a number of providers including; Ability West, Avista CLG, Camphill Communities of Ireland, and Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

• At a centre in Galway operated by Ability West, the inspector observed that the rights of residents were respected and promoted by staff. Residents were also supported to enjoy a range of activities such as music therapy sessions, baths, reflexology and art, in addition to accessing their local community facilities such going to their local shops, hairdresser and cinema.
• At an Avista CLG centre in Tipperary, residents appeared content and comfortable in their homes, and with the support provided by staff. Residents were supported by staff to follow recommended exercise programmes to improve their health, as well as to enjoy activities which reflected their personal choices such as watching TV, listening to music and visiting facilities in their local community.
• Residents and staff had a good relationship at a centre operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG in Waterford. The inspector observed staff and residents smiling and joking with each other during the day. One resident told the inspector about their love of horse riding, and showed photographs of themselves competing in dressage competitions. Another resident spoke about how they were looking forward to participating in their first competitive basketball match since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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

Two urgent actions were issued to Abode Doorway to Life CLG following an inspection of one centre. Non-compliance was identified due to insufficient staffing, management and arrangements to safeguard residents from abuse. Improvements were also needed in fire safety arrangements and the management of complaints.

Non-compliance was identified in seven centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. A high level of non-compliance was recorded at two centres in areas such as fire safety, staffing, training, governance and risk management. At five other centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, improvements were required in areas such as premises, residents’ rights, staffing, activities for residents and infection control.

Five inspection reports have been published on centres operated by Avista CLG which identified non-compliance. In one centre, safeguarding incidents were impacting on residents’ rights and welfare. At four other centres improvements were required in areas such as personal planning, notifications, infection control and risk management. 

In a COPE Foundation centre, improvements were required in fire safety, residents’ rights, staffing, training, and the overall governance of the centre. 

While residents’ support needs were being met at a centre operated by Cumass New Ross, improvements were required in the overall governance and management arrangements. This resulted in inadequate infection control measures and the poor condition of the premises.

Finally, two inspection reports have been published on centres operated by Cheeverstown House CLG. At one centre, the overall condition and cleanliness of the centre impacted negatively on residents. At another centre operated by the same provider, residents did not have a written agreement in place detailing the services provided to meet their needs. 

Read all reports at the link below.