Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 17 inspection reports on residential centres for older people. HIQA independently monitors designated centres for older people for compliance with the Health Act (2007) Regulations and the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland (2016), to ensure that the older people living in these centres are safe and well looked after.

Of the reports published today, one refers to a full inspection of all 18 outcomes, 12 are inspections carried out against 10 outcomes, two are thematic inspections focusing on dementia care, one is an inspection on a single specific-issue, and one is a follow-up inspection.

Evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards was found in 12 centres. These inspections found that residents’ needs were being met and the care delivered was safe, in line with the National Standards and regulations.

Inspections found evidence of non-compliance in five centres. Residents’ needs were not always met in these centres, and inspectors identified non-compliances in areas such as: safe and suitable premises; residents’ rights, dignity and consultation; and notifications required to be submitted to HIQA.