The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has released 23 inspection reports on designated disability care centers for individuals with disabilities in Ireland. These inspections were conducted by 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.
Among these reports, HIQA identified commendable levels of compliance with regulations and standards in ten centers, which are operated by various providers, including Avista CLG, Barrow Valley Enterprise for Adult Members with Special Needs CLG, Cheeverstown House CLG, Dundas Unlimited Company, GALRO Unlimited Company, Health Service Executive (HSE), and Kingsriver Community Holdings CLG.
Examples of noteworthy practices observed during inspections include:
- Person-Centered Care in Limerick: At an Avista CLG-operated center in Limerick, staff prioritized residents’ needs, involving them in decisions about daily life, including personal care support. Residents were empowered through roles like entertainment representatives and spiritual wellbeing coordinators.
- Promoting Independence in Carlow: Barrow Valley Enterprise for Adult Members with Special Needs CLG actively encouraged positive risk-taking to enhance residents’ independence. For instance, support was provided for a resident to independently access a local gym.
- Empowering Residents in Meath: Dundas Unlimited Company’s center in Meath emphasized residents’ rights, supported by staff who received human rights training. Residents were actively engaged in decision-making about their care, consent, advocacy access, and choices.
However, inspectors also identified non-compliance issues in 13 other inspections:
- Staffing Shortages and Safeguarding Concerns: COPE Foundation-operated centres faced staffing shortages that affected residents’ care, raising safeguarding issues.
- Improvements Needed at Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG Centres: Issues included safeguarding, resident choices, fire safety, staffing, and premises.
- Various Compliance Gaps: Avista CLG, Ability West, Barróg Healthcare Limited, HSE, and Carriglea Cáirde Services-operated centers had deficiencies in areas such as fire safety, records management, governance, infection control, and healthcare needs.
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