Older people's services publication statement 03 September 2019

Date of publication:

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 61 inspection reports on residential centres for older people. The Chief Inspector has statutory responsibility for independently regulating 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 61 reports published today, inspectors found evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards in 41 centres. In general, these centres were found to be meeting residents’ needs and delivering care in line with the national standards and regulations. This includes good practice found during 15 inspections as part of a new thematic inspection programme focusing on the use of restrictive practices in services for older people. The programme is part of a quality improvement approach which focuses on driving improvements in practice.

Inspectors found evidence of non-compliance in 20 centres. In these centres, the provider failed to ensure that the service delivered to residents was effectively monitored in line with the regulations and standards. Inspectors identified non-compliance in areas including governance and management; training and staff development; notifications; communication difficulties; premises; personal possessions; risk management; fire precautions; safeguarding; healthcare; infection control; food and nutrition; managing behaviour that is challenging; and residents' rights;.

A full list of reports published today accompanies this statement.