The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 45 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 45 reports published today, inspectors found evidence of good practice and compliance with the regulations and standards in 32 centres. This includes good practice found during nine 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. In general, these 32 centres were found to be meeting residents’ needs and delivering care in line with the national standards and regulations.

Inspectors found evidence of non-compliance in 13 centres. At the time of inspection in these centres, the provider had failed to ensure that the service delivered to residents was effectively monitored in line with the regulations and standards. Non-compliances were identified in areas including governance and management; premises; healthcare; residents' rights; fire precautions; notification of incidents; complaints procedure; written policies and procedures; visits; risk management; infection prevention; fire precautions; individual assessment and care plan; and managing behaviour that is challenging. 

A full list of reports published today accompanies this statement. 

Reports and compliance plans can be found on www.hiqa.ie.