Staffing concerns persist at Louth disability centre despite positive inspection

A residential disability service in Louth has been found to be operating to a generally good standard, but with ongoing concerns around staffing levels, according to a newly published inspection report.

The unannounced inspection of the Oak Hill designated centre, run by St John of God Community Services, took place on January 13, 2026, and examined care provided to four adult residents.

Inspectors found that “the centre was operating at a good level of compliance with the regulations,” noting that “there were effective governance and management arrangements, and residents were receiving appropriate care.”

However, the report highlights persistent issues around staffing, which had also been raised during a previous inspection in August 2025.

The report states “the registered provider had still not ensured that appropriate staff numbers were maintained in line with residents’ assessed needs.”

Inspectors found that, at times, there were not enough staff available to meet residents’ needs safely. On the day of inspection, staffing included a qualified nurse on duty 24 hours, supported by two healthcare assistants during the day and one at night.

A particular concern arose when two residents went on an outing supported by staff, leaving others in the house requiring significant care. 

The report noted: “On the day of this inspection two residents went on a social outing with support from two staff members (one of these residents was 1:1 staff support) and two residents remained in the house. 

“The residents who remained in the house required 2:1 support for personal care. This meant that during the timeframe the other residents were on a social outing, it was not possible to support those residents with personal care if they required it.”

The report warns this could “result in limited opportunities for the residents on outings and could impact residents who required 2:1 support with personal care as there were not sufficient staff.”

Staff themselves acknowledged the issue, telling inspectors that while they “endeavoured to manage” risks, additional staffing resources would improve residents’ quality of life.

Despite these concerns, inspectors were broadly positive about many aspects of the service. The centre, a four-bedroom bungalow in a rural setting, was described as “warm, clean, bright, spacious, well maintained, comfortable, and nicely decorated.”

Residents were observed engaging in a range of activities including outings, social clubs, shopping, and therapeutic supports. Records also showed achievements such as “going on hotel breaks, and to concerts and events.”

Management were also praised, with inspectors noting “clear lines of authority and accountability” and that the person in charge had “a rich understanding of the residents’ needs and individual personalities.”

The inspection found no active safeguarding concerns, with systems in place to protect residents and manage risks effectively. Complaints procedures and staff training were also deemed compliant with regulations.

However, inspectors identified that one resident’s healthcare plan “required further review and cohesion to ensure that it outlined all associated interventions.”

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In response to the findings, the provider has submitted a business case for additional staffing and introduced interim measures, including allocating “an additional 24hrs staff support throughout the week” to improve care capacity.

“The person in charge has ensured that there is a planned and actual staff rota, showing staff on duty during the day and night and it is also properly maintained.” 

The centre was judged “not compliant” under staffing regulations, while governance and Individual assessment and personal plan were rated “substantially compliant,” and several other areas were fully compliant.