A disability residential service in Waterford has been found non-compliant in a number of key areas following a HIQA inspection.

Inspectors issued an urgent action over medication practices and raised concerns about the reporting of alleged, suspected or confirmed abuse.

A HIQA inspection of Comeragh Residential Services in Waterford found significant failings in medicines management, staffing and governance.

Inspectors found weaknesses in how controlled medicines were stored, monitored and administered.

Records also showed a number of occasions where prescribed medications were not signed as given, making it unclear if residents received them as prescribed.

The watchdog also found staffing levels may not have been sufficient to meet residents’ assessed needs, with concerns raised about how some safeguarding measures could be implemented.

HIQA identified gaps in management oversight, including incomplete audits and delays in reporting allegations or suspicions of abuse.

Inspectors found four allegations, suspected or confirmed incidents of abuse which were not reported to the watchdog within three working days as required.

The provider has submitted a compliance plan outlining measures to address the issues highlighted in the inspection.

The report also highlighted a number of positive findings.

Residents told inspectors they were happy living in the centre and felt safe there.

They spoke positively about staff, saying they were kept informed and involved in decisions about their daily lives.

Inspectors observed kind, caring and respectful interactions between staff and residents, while improvements made to the home since the last inspection were also noted.

The centre was found to be compliant in areas including fire safety and staff training, with residents actively involved in community activities, family life and personal development opportunities.