A recent HIQA inspection of Waterford Cheshire based in the city has found the centre was not compliant with a number of key regulations, with significant improvements required ahead of its registration renewal.
The inspection by the Chief Inspector took place on April 7 and 8, 2026, at the centre operated by The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland.
Among the main concerns were staffing, governance, risk management and fire safety.
Staffing concerns
Under Regulation 15, the centre was found not compliant with staffing requirements.
Inspectors found that staffing arrangements did not always provide sufficient continuity of care. There was also a heavy reliance on agency staff, with 34 shifts covered by agency workers in March 2026.
Residents raised concerns about staffing levels, with feedback including:
“poor staffing levels”
and
“staffing levels could be better on some days”
One resident told inspectors that staffing difficulties had resulted in visits to their family home being cancelled. A review found this had happened on nine days between January and March 2026.
Another resident said:
“not all staff know what I dislike… Some do. The newer staff have to get to know me better.”
The inspection also found that 28 staff members had not received the four supervision sessions required under the service’s policy during 2025.
Serious fire safety concerns
Fire safety was one of the most serious issues identified.
The centre had been aware of fire safety concerns since 2023, but inspectors found that significant works had still not been completed.
In particular, residents did not have safe escape routes from their bedrooms in the event of a fire in their kitchens or living areas. Inspectors also identified inadequate fire containment in parts of the building, gaps around some doors and windows, and concerns about whether all residents could be safely evacuated at night when staffing levels were lower.
Regulation 28 was therefore found not compliant, with the evacuation requirement receiving a red, high-risk rating.
An urgent action was issued in relation to fire safety during the inspection.
Call bells and risk management
The centre was also found not compliant with Regulation 26, relating to risk management.
The inspection found that the call bell system, which some residents relied on to request assistance, was not working reliably.
There had been three reported occasions since January where resident bells had malfunctioned. Inspectors also reviewed complaints about delayed responses.
One complaint recorded that a resident had been told they would have to wait half an hour for assistance after using their call bell.
The inspector concluded that this created a significant risk for residents with high physical support needs.
Governance
Regulation 23, covering governance and management, was also found not compliant.
While the centre had a full-time person in charge and clear management structures, inspectors found that existing oversight systems had failed to identify or adequately address some significant risks.
The report particularly highlighted the failure to address long-standing fire safety concerns and staffing issues in a timely manner.
Premises
The centre was substantially compliant with Regulation 17, but inspectors did identify maintenance concerns.
These included outstanding painting, flooring and tiling work, as well as gaps around some doors and window frames.
Residents also raised concerns about the condition of the premises. One resident said:
“the outside grounds and windows need to be maintained a lot better”
while another said:
“The windows are not sealed properly in my room and its cold.”
Three kitchens also required replacement due to wear and tear.
What was compliant?
Despite the concerns, inspectors noted a number of positive aspects.
The person in charge was described as knowledgeable and responsive, while staff were observed to be caring and respectful towards residents.
Residents had their own individual apartments, which were personalised with their belongings, and some residents told inspectors they were happy living at the centre.
The premises itself was judged substantially compliant, meaning the requirements were generally met but improvements were still needed.
However, the overall inspection concluded that significant improvements were required, particularly around fire safety, staffing, risk management and governance, before a recommendation for renewal of the centre’s registration could be made.
