The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 47 inspection reports on residential centres for older people. The Chief Inspector of Social Services has statutory responsibility for independently regulating designated centres for older people for compliance with the Health Act (2007) Regulations, to ensure that the people living in these services are safe and well cared for.

Of the 47 reports published, inspectors found evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards in a number of inspections. Twelve thematic inspection reports focusing on the use of restrictive practices were found to be fully compliant with the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. A further 10 centres were either fully compliant or substantially compliant with the regulations. In general, these centres were found to be meeting residents’ needs and delivering care in line with the national standards and regulations.

Levels of non-compliance varied in the remaining inspection reports, with 19 centres non-compliant with three regulations or less, and six centres non-compliant with four or more regulations. On these inspections, non-compliance was identified in areas including: residents' rights, protection, managing behaviour that is challenging, individual assessment and care plan, procedures around the management of complaints, medication management, staff training and development, healthcare, identification of risks, records and management of residents’ finances, fire precautions, infection control, premises, and governance and management.

Where non-compliance with the regulations was identified, providers were required to submit compliance plans to demonstrate how they will make improvements and come into compliance with the regulations.

A full list of reports published today accompanies this statement. 

Notes

• The Health Act 2007 (as amended) sets out the responsibilities of HIQA’s Chief Inspector in relation to registration, monitoring and inspections of nursing homes. This includes assessing the provider’s compliance with the regulations and standards.
• Inspections of nursing homes undertaken by inspectors involve observing practice directly, engaging with staff and with those receiving services, and following up on any information received about a service. They also assess that safety checks and measures, such as policies and records, are in place. Inspection reports published by HIQA present the findings of inspectors during the time period that an inspection is carried out.
• In 2024, HIQA conducted 840 inspections of nursing homes, with 84% of those inspections being unannounced.