Adult residents with intellectual disabilities were being adversely affected by an incompatibility issue at the centre, the watchdog found
A designated centre for people with disabilities has been reported to the Disability Safeguarding Office after residents told the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) they did not feel safe.
The Ardmore centre, in Dublin 5, was visited by a HIQA inspector on September 24, 2020.
Operated by St. Michaels’ House, the centre caters for the needs of six male and female adults over the age of 18 years with intellectual disabilities.
During the inspection, several residents told how they were unhappy with the service and that they sometimes felt anxious and fearful.
They also said that there was an incompatibility issue at the centre which, according to the HIQA report, “was impacting on their lives and the opportunities they had to feel relaxed and safe in their homeâ€.
The report, which was published on the watchdog’s website, hiqa.ie, stated that improvements at the centre were required in relation to a safeguarding issue due to incompatibility between residents.
“Following inspection, the Chief Inspector referred these matters to the National Disability Safeguarding Office, raising concerns in relation to the safeguarding matters and the lack of evidence to demonstrate the consistent and effective implementation of National Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults policies and procedures,†the report added.
In total, HIQA published 22 reports yesterday (January 25) from recent inspections of designated centres for people with disabilities.
Although compliance with the regulations at the centres was generally good, HIQA said it found serious problems at two other centres – St Mary’s Centre (Telford), and Brook House, both of which are in Dublin 4.
At St Mary’s, a complex of semi-detached houses and apartments for 17 visually impaired residents, the Health Service Executive has taken over the operation of the centre after HIQA cancelled its registration.
The move followed the previous care provider’s application to the High Court for voluntary liquidation.
“While the experience for residents continued to be upsetting, inspectors found that the liquidators had made improvements in the management of the centre and communication with residents,†HIQA noted.
While at Brook House, a detached home for two residents with intellectual disabilities operated by Stepping Stones Residential Care Limited, a risk-based inspection found that current governance and management arrangements did not demonstrate effective oversight of the centre.
“There was no active person in charge and therefore the lines of authority and responsibility were unclear. This negatively impacted the capacity and capability of the centre, which adversely impacted residents lived experiences,†HIQA stated in its report.
peter.doyle@imt.ie
