An inspection of a Clare centre for disabilities has found that governance issues impacting on the rights of its residents.
The Health Information and Quality Authority’s report states the centre in question must improve its management arrangements to ensure a “good quality and safe service” for residents.
The facility, which is called ‘Waxwing 3′, is a designated centre for disabilities described as being in a “rural area on the outskirts of a small town in County Clare, with access to local shops and amenities in a nearby large city”.
On the day of the short notice announced inspection, which took place on April 25th, a total of three residents were present.
It was noted that residents enjoyed a “good quality of life, had choices in most aspects of their daily lives, and were involved in activities that they enjoyed”.
Issues were observed in the governance and management of the centre however as it was deemed it wasn’t adequately resourced to maintain effective governance and oversight.
An issue identified was that the person in charge had several other managerial duties within the organisation in addition to the management of this centre, and that while a team leader had traditionally been in place to support them, this role had been vacant “for some time”.
HIQA inspectors said they had attempted to carry out an unannounced inspection of the centre on two previous occasions but were unable to do so as the person in charge wasn’t present.
The governance of the centre was said to impact on the rights of residents as “financial management systems were restrictive”.
The facility was found not be compliant in governance and management, while it was recorded as being just substantially compliant in staffing, training and staff development, risk management procedures, individual assessment and personal plan, positive behavioural support, and residents’ rights.
The provider has submitted a comprehensive compliance plan explaining how the problems raised will be remedied.
