Disability services publication statement 8 May 2019

Date of publication:

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 16 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 and respite services for people with disabilities in Ireland. 

Inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 12 inspections, including in centres operated by the Health Service Executive, the Muiríosa Foundation, Nua Healthcare Services, the Peter Bradley Foundation, and Praxis Care. In these centres, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care at the time of inspection. Non-compliance with the regulations and standards was found on four inspections.

Inspections of six centres operated by the HSE found that four centres were meeting the needs of residents in line with regulations and standards. An inspection of one centre was carried out to monitor the provider’s regulatory compliance and progress in achieving actions detailed in a transition plan submitted to the Chief Inspector in September 2018. Concerns remained regarding the suitability and fitness for purpose of the building and some institutional practices.

However, improvements were recognised in relation to a more integrated model of care which included greater community inclusion for residents. An inspection of another HSE centre identified non-compliance in areas such as governance and management, admissions and contract for the provision of services, written policies and procedures, and statement of purpose.

An inspection report of a centre operated by Kerry Parents and Friends Association has also been published. This inspection found that residents received good-quality care and support which was meeting residents’ assessed needs. However, inspectors found the provider had not commenced a programme of fire safety works which were due to have been completed. 

In an inspection of a centre operated by RehabCare, inspectors found that the centre’s governance and management had improved since the previous inspection. However, the design and layout of the premises continued to be an issue in meeting residents’ assessed needs. Further non-compliance was identified in areas including premises; risk management procedures; fire precautions; individual assessment and personal plan; and protection.