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Disability Centers in Ireland Show Compliance and Areas for Improvement in HIQA Inspection Reports

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The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 27 inspection reports on disability centers in Ireland. These inspections assess compliance with 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.

Of the 27 inspections, 19 centers operated by various providers, including Ability West, Avista CLG, Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, Carriglea Cáirde Services, Dundas Unlimited Company, Health Service Executive (HSE), and Resilience Healthcare Limited, demonstrated a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards.

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Inspectors observed several examples of good practices across these disability centers. For instance, residents at a center in Galway run by Ability West were planning their summer holidays together, and the provider had completed significant upgrades and refurbishment works, enhancing the center’s overall appearance.

Activities and Challenges in Disability Centers as Identified by HIQA

At a center operated by Avista CLG in Dublin, residents participated in various activities such as attending day services, visiting local beauticians, celebrating milestones, and going on holidays. Additionally, at an HSE-operated center in Sligo, residents’ views and choices were integral to the center’s daily operations, such as facilitating a resident’s wish to attend weekly bingo by providing additional staff support.

However, eight disability centers were found to have non-compliance that impacted the delivery of care and support to residents. Poor governance was identified at two centers operated by the HSE, where residents’ needs were not being met adequately, with necessary improvements in safeguarding plans, fire safety, and premises. Following the inspection, residents in one of these disability centers have moved to a new facility better suited to their needs.

Similarly, two centers operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG required improvements in risk management, premises, and staff training. Inspectors noted limited provider oversight and an inconsistent approach to auditing and following up on required improvements. At a center operated by the Muiríosa Foundation, poor medication management posed a risk to residents.

Disability Centers

HIQA Reports Highlight Need for Improvements in Staffing and Facilities at Several Disability Centers

A center operated by Camphill Communities of Ireland needed better management of safeguarding incidents, staffing, and premises to ensure residents’ needs were met. At a center operated by Inspire Wellbeing CLG, staffing and premises required improvements. High staff vacancies affected the residents’ quality of life, and the premises lacked appropriate private accommodation and adequate cooking facilities. Lastly, at a center operated by Avista CLG, residents’ plans needed improvement to ensure comprehensive care.

The publication of these inspection reports by HIQA highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure quality care and support for people with disabilities in Ireland. While many disability centers demonstrate good compliance and practices, some require significant improvements in governance, staffing, and facilities. Addressing these issues will be crucial to enhancing the overall quality of care and support provided to residents in these disability centers.

 

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Resource: Health Information and Quality Authority, July 09, 2024


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