An independent inspection of a respite centre for people with disabilities in Co Offaly has found major non-compliance with statutory regulations in fifteen areas of activity.
Within hours of the review, which commenced last May and was published this afternoon, Clochan House was told to immediately roster a second staff member on night duty to ensure the safety of residents.
The inspection by the Health and Information Quality Authority says that Clochan House provides respite care for five people with physical and/or sensory disabilities at any one time and their stay varies from two to 12 nights.
For the past three years it has been operated by Offaly Centre for Independent Living which took it over from the HSE following a tendering process.
It's annexed to the grounds of Tullamore Hospital.
The unannounced inspection found the office of an external organization based in the same building had a clear view into a resident's bedroom and access to the building.
The centre was in a poor state of repair both externally and internally.
The front garden was overgrown and unkempt. The ground surface was uneven and damaged and did not promote ease of access for residents with mobility difficulties.
The inspectors were also not satisfied that all residents had enough choice or control over their day.
Any resident requiring a hoist needed to go to bed before 10pm and could not get out of bed until a second staff member came on duty the following morning.
The inspectors ensured that the issue was addressed immediately.
They also ensured that the service provider promptly rostered a second staff member on night duty to ensure the safety of residents.
Among the other shortcomings reported by HIQA were:
- The dining area consisted of a high table and high stools, which were not adequately accessible for all residents with mobility difficulties
- Wheelchair users were observed having difficulties opening doors and residents reported it was difficult to lock bathroom doors. There were no contracts for residents outlining services or fees.
- Residents told inspectors there were not enough activities or access to transport for trips or outings and the report concludes that those requiring additional support could not consistently access the local community.
- There was no evidence that residents' complaints had been appropriately responded to or investigated.
- A record book showed that when a resident voiced dissatisfaction at how she was treated by a staff member, she was reported to the provider for speaking untruthfully, highlighting for the inspectors a lack of systems to ensure that all allegations or suspicions are effectively responded to ensure openness in reporting.
- A questionnaire circulated by the care provider to residents revealed a demand for more activities but the inspectors say its findings were not acted on.
- HIQA found an informal and unplanned approach to resident discharge arrangements.
The provider, Michael Nestor, along with the Board of Directors for the limited company, were found to be unaware of their legal responsibility to be in compliance with the legislation, regulations and any standards governing centres like Clochan House.
HIQA subsequently required the provider to submit a written plan outlining the steps they would take in order to bring the centre into compliance with the Regulations.
The report says the plan was submitted on schedule and offered inspectors some assurances that the provider would address the non-compliances identified.
Paddy Connolly, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, said this is a damning report in a service for which there is significant demand.
He said, "the lack of privacy, inadequacy of worthwhile activities and the demeaning nature of some aspects of the service highlights the importance of HIQA inspections but also raise major questions about how improvements will be sustained given that the HIQA process does not provide day-to-day oversight."
Mr Connolly added, "there is no certainty that changes on foot of HIQA inspections will be sustained. It is incumbent on the HSE to ensure there is a cultural of good practice in this service going forward."
"In particular the HSE needs to ensure that the quality of life of those accessing the service is greatly enhanced and sustained going forward."
