A HIQA inspection of an International Protection Accommodation Service Centre in Tramore has found significant deficits against the National Standard.
The two-day announced inspection was carried out in February of this year.
This was the first inspection by HIQA of Atlantic House in Tramore, which accommodated 78 residents at the time of inspection.
Findings of the HIQA Report
Of the 20 areas assessed and found to be of concern, 9 were deemed Non-Compliant, with a risk rating of Red.
11 areas were deemed Partially Compliant, with a risk rating of Orange.
HIQA found deficits across all 10 themes within the national standards.
Within this, there were considerable shortfalls in risk management, governance and management. Significant concern was flagged over identification of and response to special needs and mental health needs.
In one case, it was known to staff that a resident was a suicide risk. Yet, there was no plan in place to manage this risk, and another resident had taken to supervising the administering of medication, and the overall welfare of this person.
During the inspection, residents claimed they were foregoing basic needs, in order to purchase food supplies in the on-site shop, which was found by HIQA to in some cases, charge a 50 percent markup of some items.
Furthermore, the report also states that no paper record of any Garda Vetting for staff was available for inspection.
Actions Undertaken
Residents interviewed spoke positively of their dealings with staff, with good relationships observed at the time of inspection.
Additionally, the centre endeavoured to put in place Adult Safeguarding Training, and to review the pricing within the shop- with the final decision resting with the Department of Integration.
A Reception Officer will be in place by mid-July in order to assist residents with accessing supports and information.
The full report undertaken by HIQA can be viewed here.
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