A recent inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has found that Nova Residential Services in Waterford City, operated by the Brothers of Charity, was non-compliant in three key governance areas, including management oversight, fire safety, and incident reporting.

The announced inspection, carried out on July 29th, 2025, examined the quality and safety of care provided at the centre, which supports adults with disabilities across five apartment-style homes.

HIQA found that while a management structure was in place, oversight in the centre was insufficient. The annual review of quality and safety, completed in February 2025, did not include a comprehensive improvement plan or clear timelines for addressing outstanding issues. Management presence in the centre was minimal, with the last recorded manager visit dating back several months, and documentation of routine audits was not available on the day of inspection. Inspectors concluded that these gaps in oversight posed a risk to effective management of the service.

Fire safety was also highlighted as a concern. Inspectors observed a door wedge holding open a fire door, and follow-up actions from a January 2025 fire safety report, which had identified non-fire-rated door fittings, had not been completed. A clothes dryer was found stored in a press without ventilation and surrounded by bedding, creating a fire hazard. Medication management was similarly identified as an area of non-compliance.

Some residents’ medicines were not stored securely, and prescription records and PRN (as required) medication protocols were incomplete or inconsistent. In one case, a resident had no PRN protocol on file, while another had conflicting documentation regarding responsibility for ordering medication.

The centre was also found to be non-compliant under Regulation 31 (Notification of Incidents) after HIQA identified two incidents that had not been reported to the Chief Inspector — one involving a small fire and another relating to a safeguarding concern. In addition, the Chief Inspector had not been notified within the required timeframe when the person in charge was absent for more than 28 days.

Other areas, while not formally non-compliant, were noted as needing attention. Inspectors highlighted that several apartments required refurbishment, including replacement of worn flooring and kitchen units, and that one resident still did not have full access to their bank account despite previous plans to address this issue.

Despite these governance and safety concerns, HIQA reported positive findings in other areas of the service. Staff were observed to treat residents with dignity and respect and were described as consistent, skilled, and familiar with residents’ needs. Training in fire safety, safeguarding, medication management, and infection control was up to date, and residents were encouraged to engage in activities and live independently in apartments personalised to their preferences.

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