Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 25 inspection reports on residential centres for older people. HIQA independently regulates 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 people living in these services are safe and well cared for.

Of the 25 reports published today, 17 are thematic inspections to assess dementia care, three are inspections carried out against 10 outcomes, two are full inspections of all 18 outcomes, and three are either a follow-up or a specific-issue inspection.

Evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards was found in 14 centres. These inspections found that residents’ needs were generally being met and care was delivered in line with the National Standards and regulations.

However, evidence of non-compliance was found in nine centres. In these centres, residents’ needs were not always being met in line with the regulations and standards. Inspectors identified non-compliances in areas such as governance and management; safeguarding and safety; health and safety and risk management; health and social care needs; residents’ rights, dignity and consultation; safe and suitable premises; and suitable staffing.