A residential centre for adults with disabilities has failed to complete an investigation into an allegation of abuse against a staff member over the past 21 weeks.
The failure is one of a number of strong criticisms of the Daughters of Charity Services' facility by the social services watchdog, HIQA, in an inspection report published this morning.
At the time of last August's unannounced inspection, 31 highly dependent adults with profound intellectual disabilities were living in 'Unit A' on the St Anne's campus near Roscrea, Co Tipperary.
The inspection was HIQA's fifth and followed the regulator's refusal of an application for registration.
Some improvements are noted, for example, advocacy arrangements and the management of complaints had been brought into line with statutory regulations.
However, the inspectors say an investigation into an allegation of abuse against a member of staff, notified to HIQA in mid-June was still outstanding last Monday.
They called for a significant improvement in the management of practices used to restrict residents.
For example, staff were leaving a resident belted into her chair for periods during the day when she should have been free to move around as recommended by an occupational therapist.
And inspectors found that adequate safeguards have not been put in place in response to allegations of forced administration of medication.
Other continuing major non-compliances with regulations were included a failure to demonstrate that the recently- appointed person in charge had the supports necessary to enable her to meet the requirements of her role.
There was failure to ensure that the design and layout of the centre was suitable for its stated purpose.
While the owner had submitted a costed refurbishment plan to HIQA , it was not funded.
The report says residents’ privacy and dignity were comprised by open bedroom doors and side panels to see into rooms.
The unsuitable design and layout also impacted on individual residents’ need for space and did not meet their mobility or privacy needs.
For example, the report states: "Inspectors observed one resident hitting out at another resident in a wheelchair who was in his/her way and a staff member said that space had an impact on individual resident's behaviours that may challenge."
It says parts of the centre were in a poor state of repair; the living/dining room was cramped when residents were at the dining table; and there was a lack of storage.
Some wheelchairs and chairs the residents were using were stored outdoors in courtyards and equipment was in need of replacement.
And despite efforts, the Daughter of Charity Services had not satisfactorily ensured that the designated centre met all residents' assessed social care needs.
Facility says internal probe did not uphold allegations of abuse
The facility at the centre of the investigation has said an internal probe has not upheld an allegation of abuse made against a staff member in one a residential centre in Roscrea.
The announcement follows criticism by the social services watch-dog, HIQA, of a failure to complete the investigation over the past 21 weeks.
A spokesman for the Daughters of Charity Services' told RTE News they will publish their report of the investifation tomorrow and that it relates to a complaint by a resident that she was hurt while a blood sample was being taken for medical reasons.
The spokesman said the report could not have been ready sooner because due process had to be observed and the summer holidays had intervened.
He said the management of the Roscrea services is addressing the four major non-compliances highlighted in the report and that no restriction had been placed on admissions of new residents.
