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 nursing homes are safe and well looked after.

Of the 17 reports published today, nine are inspections carried out against 10 outcomes, two refer to a full inspection of all 18 outcomes, three are thematic inspections focusing on dementia care, and three are either single specific-issue or follow-up inspections.

Evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards was found in 13 centres. These inspections found that residents’ needs were being met and the care delivered was safe, in line with the National Standards and regulations.

Inspectors found evidence of non-compliance in four centres. Residents’ needs were not always met in line with the regulations and standards in these four centres. Inspectors identified non-compliances in areas such as governance and management; residents’ rights, dignity and consultation; suitable staffing; safe and suitable premises; and medication management.