Non-compliance found in disability centres, one posing 'significant risks' to residents

Eva Osborne

Non-compliance that impacted the delivery of care and support to residents was identified in six centres for people with disabilities.

Poor governance impacted the residents at a centre operated by St Michael's House. An urgent action was issued to the provider to manage "significant risks" to residents identified during the inspection.

In addition, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) said inadequate safeguarding plans impacted upon a resident’s dignity and the provider was required to better manage incidents between residents.

At a centre operated by Stewarts Care DAC, inappropriate living arrangements impacted upon the welfare of residents, HIQA found.

Poor governance was identified at three centres operated by Avista CLG. In one centre, a review of restrictive practices and residents’ risks was required, with improvements also required in staffing and staff training.

In the remaining two centres, improvements were required by the provider in risk management and staff training.

HIQA also found that the premises of a centre operated by Kerry Parents and Friends Association did not meet the needs of residents.

The remaining 15 centres of the 21 that had inspection reports carried out by HIQA had "generally good" levels of compliance with regulations and standards.

Examples of good practice observed by HIQA inspectors included:

• Residents were supported to work towards a variety of personal goals and were actively encouraged to be involved in activities which they enjoyed at a centre in Kilkenny operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. Residents were involved in activities such as horse riding, reflexology, gardening, cinema, golf, sound therapy, Lámh (a manual sign system), choir and trips to the beach;
• At a HSE-operated centre in Sligo, residents enjoyed activities such as crochet, doing puzzles, arts and crafts, baking, gardening and watching movies. All residents enjoyed having Fridays off from their day placements, enabling them to plan beauty treatments appointments, going to the hairdressers and doing shopping. Residents also enjoyed going to music concerts, holidays, day trips and meals out;
• Residents’ needs and wishes were respected and promoted at a centre in Westmeath operated by Muiriosa Foundation. One resident was supported to get tattoos and proudly showed them to the inspector. In addition, the same resident was supported to have a pet cat. The person in charge and the resident had devised a 'care plan' for the cat to ensure its care was met by all.