Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 21 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 nursing homes are safe and well looked after.

Of the 21 reports published today, nine are inspections carried out against 10 outcomes, four refer to a full inspection of all 18 outcomes, four are thematic inspections focusing on dementia care, three are single specific-issue inspections, and one is a follow-up inspection.

Evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards was found in 11 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 10 centres. Residents’ needs were not always met in these centres, and inspectors identified non-compliances in areas such as governance and management; social care needs; health and safety and risk management; safe and suitable premises; residents’ rights, dignity and consultation; complaints procedures; suitable staffing and documentation to be kept at the centre.