Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 15 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.

Twelve reports published today are inspections against 10 outcomes, two are thematic inspections focusing on dementia care, and one is a follow-up inspection.

Evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards was found in 10 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 of five centres found evidence of non-compliance. Residents’ needs were not always met in these centres, and inspectors identified non-compliances in areas such as governance and management; health and safety and risk management; medicines management; health and social care needs; suitable staffing; end-of-life care; and safe and suitable premises.