A disability supports group has issued a statement of apology following a Waterford inspection of a residential facility.

During April, a two day HIQA inspection took place in the Cheshire Residential Centre and Respite Facility.

Significant fire safety risks were noted in the subsequent report, as well as a significant level of dissatisfaction by several residents.

Cheshire Ireland contacted WLR with a statement following the published report.

It stated: The safety and wellbeing of the people we support is our first responsibility. A HIQA inspection of Waterford Cheshire in April identified shortcomings in how the service is run, and we accept those findings in full.

We acted on the issues raised during the inspection and specific mitigations have been in place at the service since then. This includes a new call bell system, as highlighted in the report, which has been installed and operational since 18 May. A vacant nursing post has been filled and further care staff are joining the service.

We are working closely with the Health Service Executive and with HIQA on a programme of fire safety works to address the concerns raised in the report.

Apology

We are sorry that the service at Waterford fell short of the standard people are entitled to expect, and of our own. We are engaging with the people living at Waterford Cheshire, to ensure that their welfare is prioritised at all times, particularly until such time as the remediations are delivered in full”.