The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has released 29 inspection reports today, covering designated centers for individuals with disabilities in Ireland. These inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the Health Act 2007 and the National Standards for Residential Services for People with Disabilities.
Of these 29 inspections, 16 centers exhibited satisfactory compliance with the regulations and standards. These centers are operated by various providers, including Enable Ireland Disability Services Limited, GALRO Unlimited Company, Gheel Autism Services CLG, Health Service Executive (HSE), Kerry Parents and Friends Association, North West Parents and Friends Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, Praxis Care, and Resilience Healthcare Limited.
Some examples of commendable practices observed during inspections include:
- A GALRO Unlimited Company facility in Westmeath provides residents with a spacious back garden, private bedrooms with en-suite facilities, and contentment among residents.
- A center in Kerry, operated by Kerry Parents and Friends Association, where staff-resident interactions were respectful and supportive, and residents had access to day services per their preferences.
- A Praxis Care-managed center in Mayo that featured suitably furnished premises with private bedrooms and en-suite facilities, as well as shared spaces and outdoor amenities.
However, non-compliance issues were identified during 13 inspections, including:
- Four non-compliant reports concerning HSE-operated centers, citing concerns about safeguarding incident management, infection prevention and control, fire safety, and staffing.
- One report for a center operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG needed improvements in personal plans, staff training, and overall governance.
- Two reports for centers operated by SOS Kilkenny CLG, identifying areas of concern related to staffing and premises suitability.
- Two reports for centers operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited highlight non-compliance in staffing, medication management, and residents’ rights.
- One report for a center operated by Delta Centre CLG focuses on issues related to residents’ finances and privacy.
- One report for a center operated by the Peter Bradley Foundation CLG indicates the need for better governance.
- One report for a center operated by Resilience Healthcare Limited stressed the necessity for improved medication management.
- One report for a center operated by Praxis Care specifies the need for better management of medications and records.
These inspections aim to ensure the welfare and compliance of disability centers, reflecting the commitment to providing quality care and services for residents.
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