Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 19 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.

Seven of today’s reports relate to 10-outcome inspections, five reports are thematic inspections specifically focusing on dementia care, four reports are 18-outcome inspections, and three reports refer to either a single-specific issue inspection or a follow-up inspection.

Inspectors found evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards in 13 centres. These inspections found that care was generally being delivered in line with the National Standards and regulations.

Six reports found evidence of non-compliance. Residents’ needs were not always met in these centres, and non-compliance was identified by inspectors in areas such as governance and management; suitable staffing; residents' rights, dignity and consultation; health and safety and risk management; documentation to be kept at a designated centre; health and social care needs; and safe and suitable premises.