Disability services publication statement 16 November 2023

Date of publication:
  • Reports published 16 November 2023

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Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 23 inspection reports on designated centres for people with disabilities. HIQA inspects against the Health Act 2007 (Care and Support of Residents in Designated Centres for Persons (Children and Adults) with Disabilities) Regulations 2013 and the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities, which apply to residential services for people with disabilities in Ireland. 

Of these 23 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 10 centres operated by a number of providers including; Muiríosa Foundation, MyLife by Estrela Hall Limited, Praxis Care, St Hilda's Services, St John of God Community Services CLG, Sunbeam House Services CLG, The Rehab Group, Waterford Intellectual Disability Association CLG, and Western Care.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

  • At a centre in Offaly operated by Muiríosa Foundation, the inspector observed gentle and respectful interactions between residents and staff members. Staff had received training in human rights and spoke about how this training had helped them to better understand residents’ rights, entitlements and choice in their daily lives.
  • At a centre in Wicklow operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG, residents were observed to have good rapport with staff, and staff engaged with them in a very respectful and warm manner. Residents planned their social activities using pictures to help make decisions. Staff described the service provided to residents as being ''very person-centred'' and said that residents were supported to exercise choice and control in their lives, and were consulted with about all aspects of their care and support.
  • At a centre in Cavan operated by the Rehab Group, residents’ rooms were personalised and reflected their achievements and interests. For example, one resident had a certificate displayed in their room from a well-respected university for being a finalist in an Easter card competition. Residents and families indicated that they were happy with the service provided, with one family saying that staff were always helpful and welcoming. Staff had recieved human rights training and said that human rights was at the core of their values.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on a further 13 inspections. 

Two non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by Muiríosa Foundation. A high level of non-compliance was identified at one centre across areas including for example; safeguarding, residents’ rights, managing risks, premises, staffing and training. Better management of residents’ personal possessions was required in the other centre.

Three reports have been published on centres operated by Saint Patrick's Centre (Kilkenny)/trading as Aurora-Enriching Lives, Enriching Communities. Across these centres, non-compliance was identified in relation to residents’ personal finances, healthcare needs, the management of complaints, and overall governance. 

Three reports have been published on centres operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited. Across these centres, non-compliance was identified in connection with residents’ personal and support plans, managing risks, premises, and measures to protect against infection.

A centre operated by Stepping Stones Residential Care Limited required immediate action to address fire safety concerns and improvements in managing residents’ personal finances. A centre operated by St John of God Community Services CLG was found to be non-compliant due to residents’ living arrangements and personal plans. A centre operated by St Joseph's Foundation required improvements in notifying incidents and managing records.

Finally, fire safety measures required improvements at a centre operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG, while better management of staffing was needed at a centre operated by Peamount Healthcare.