Mixed report for Longford adult respite service, report finds

An adult respite service managed by St Christopher's Services has fallen short in four out of over a dozen regulatory areas inspected by health officials.

Hiqa inspectors found the service which comprises two houses in Co Longford and which accommodates up to six people was non compliant in the areas of governance and management, notification of incidents, positive behavioural support and changes to information supplied for registration purposes.

Hiqa inspectors undertook an unannounced inspection of the service across two days on August 9 and 10 last.

Improvements, it found, were required in the governance and management arrangements, including the arrangements for oversight and monitoring of all parts of the designated centre by the person in charge and the provider.

In terms of behavioural care plans for residents, it was discovered Improvements were required in the governance and management arrangements including the arrangements for oversight and monitoring of all parts of the designated centre by the person in charge and the provider.

It was also discovered two incidents, of an environmental and personal injury nature were not submitted on quarterly notifications.

Despite singling out its “individualised” and “person-centred care”, Hiqa officials said improvements were required in order to meet the standards set out in the watchdog's regulatory conditions.

“The governance and management arrangements of the designated centre required improvements to ensure that regulatory compliance was achieved, and to ensure effective monitoring and oversight of all parts of the centre,” the report found.

Equally, Hiqa said there were areas for improvements found on inspection relating to staff training, in ensuring that there were clear guidelines in place for a restrictive practice that may be required and in some documentation such as the reviews of risk assessments and the annual review of the assessment of needs.

On a more positive note, the service came in for praise in its handling of protection, residents rights, health care as well as individual assessment and personal plans.

“There was evidence that residents' rights were upheld, and that they were respected and supported to live a life of their choosing,” the report outlined.