HIQA report: ‘Dedicated’ staff, but inadequate levels

A recent HIQA report on a residential facility in Cahir was mostly favourable in its assessment of the centre, with particular emphasis placed on the respect shown to the residents’ individual needs and preferences.

‘Dun Aoibhinn Services’ in Cahir, run by the Brothers of Charity, provides residential care to people with moderate to profound intellectual disability. At the time of the inspection, it was home to four male residents. The inspector noted how staff were mindful that the centre is home for the residents, and were treated as such. The inspector commented how she was welcomed into the centre by one of the residents (accompanied by a staff member), before chatting with them in the kitchen for a time.

The report of the inspection, which took place in August, was also very positive about the staff in the centre, noting that they were kind, respectful and knowledgeable about the residents in the centre.

The inspector on site also noted how the residents’ own rooms were decorated to their preference, even noting how one room had very little furnishing in it and could appear ‘stark’, but that was how the resident liked it.

However, the report noticed that staffing levels were inadequate, and it was the only part of the centre deemed ‘non compliant’. Two residents required two staff members each, while another, who was appointed one staff member, in reality required two for ‘significant parts of the day’. The report stated that there was a ‘core group of dedicated staff’, but that the Brothers of Charity had failed to ensure there was a sufficient number of staff on duty.

The report noted that some measures were in place for the safety of residents, including seclusion, the locking of doors and a harness use on the bus. The use of these methods was mostly in line with best practice according to the mandate of their human rights committee, and some were due to be reviewed as they were out of date at the time of the inspection.