The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published 10 inspection reports on centres operated by Camphill Communities of Ireland. Camphill Communities of Ireland is registered to provide residential care and support to 191 residents across 13 designated centres for adults with disabilities in counties Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Wexford, Tipperary and Kerry. 

Inspections were carried out in 10 of the provider’s centres between June and August 2020, a number of which were risk-based inspections. Prior to these inspections and following receipt of information of concern for resident welfare, Camphill Communities of Ireland had been required to make a number of formal assurances to the Chief Inspector of Social Services regarding the safeguarding of residents and the safety and quality of care delivered across a number of its designated centres. 

Inspections identified significant concerns regarding the very poor compliance levels with the regulations and national standards found on these inspections. In particular, the Chief Inspector was concerned regarding governance and management, protection, financial safeguarding, staffing and protection against infection. These non-compliances were having a significant impact on the safety and quality of care being delivered to the residents living in these centres.

The Chief Inspector issued a formal warning to Camphill Communities of Ireland on 8 September 2020 regarding seven of its centres. Furthermore, the provider was required to attend a meeting with the Deputy Chief Inspector to discuss the significant concerns at the level of non-compliance in its centres. Camphill Communities of Ireland was then required to submit a comprehensive six-month national governance improvement plan to address the substantive failings identified in their services and to improve the quality of service being provided to residents. Inspectors will monitor the implementation of this six-month plan and will undertake inspections to ensure improvements are made for the safety of services for residents. 

Read all reports at www.hiqa.ie. 

Notes:

•  HIQA inspects designated centres for people with disabilities 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.