A HIQA inspection of Tory Residential Services in Tramore, operated by the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, has found areas of non-compliance relating to staffing and residents’ assessments, despite otherwise positive findings about the quality of care and daily life for residents.

The announced inspection, which took place on July 18th, 2025, was carried out to inform a recommendation on the renewal of the centre’s registration.

The centre provides residential care for up to nine male adults with intellectual disabilities across two detached bungalows—one in a coastal town in County Waterford and another a short drive away in the countryside.

Inspectors found that residents were happy in their homes, engaged in education, work, and community activities, and enjoyed a strong sense of independence and belonging.

Many spoke positively about their relationships with staff, their daily routines, and their involvement in decisions about their care and home life. Family feedback was also highly complimentary, with relatives describing staff as caring, respectful, and supportive.

However, HIQA identified two key areas requiring improvement—staffing levels and individual assessments of need. Although the centre was fully staffed according to its statement of purpose, inspectors were not assured that the number of staff on duty was sufficient to meet residents’ changing and evolving needs.

In some cases, additional support hours outlined in safeguarding plans were not consistently provided, and staffing levels had not been adjusted in line with residents’ updated care requirements.

The inspection also found that several residents did not have up-to-date assessments of need, meaning their changing circumstances—such as increased falls, new dementia diagnoses, and health or communication challenges—were not being fully reflected in care plans or staffing supports.

HIQA concluded that these gaps in assessment and planning could impact the quality and safety of care provided.

While governance and management systems were found to be largely effective, the report noted that oversight mechanisms had failed to identify the deficiencies in staffing and assessment. Fire safety arrangements were generally robust, though minor improvements were required to fire door mechanisms and emergency exit accessibility.

HIQA judged the centre not compliant under Regulation 5 (Individual Assessment and Personal Plan) and Regulation 15 (Staffing), and substantially compliant under Regulations 23 (Governance and Management) and 28 (Fire Precautions). All other areas were found to be compliant.

Despite these findings, inspectors commended the centre for providing a warm, homely environment where residents were supported to live fulfilling lives, take part in education and volunteering, and maintain strong community connections.

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