A HIQA investigation has outlined that a Waterford facility was unable to protect its residents from 'all forms of abuse'.
The Ivies, Ballymacarbry, Deerpark - run by Nua Healthcare Services - was only fully compliant in one of 15 standards in an inspection carried out on May 21st and May 26th of this year.
Months before the facility had passed an inspection with a glowing review.
The Ivies provides 24/7 care to five adults with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
On the day of the first inspection, on May 21st, an inspector was notified that a resident was in isolation as a result of an incident a few days prior.
The report outlined that staff at the facility had only started to wear full PPE on the day before the inspection.
In its findings, HIQA outlined that there was no rationale to support the reason for the isolation despite multiple requests.
Staff were not consistently provided with clear guidance supporting residents in the area of behaviours that challenge, and the registered provider resultantly placed the residents at risk of harm.
A clear governance structure was appointed to the Ivies, but was not deemed to be implemented.
"Oversight was not in place to ensure the centre was operating a safe and effective service, ensuring the assessed needs of the residents were being met.”
Concerns were also noted that residents did not experience 'a meaningful day' and there were no supports in place to help bring on their skills and independence.
Three of four residents that were spoken to told inspectors that they were not happy in the centre.
The centre was deemed to be non-compliant in regards to staffing, as a result of high levels of staff turnover.
The facility was ruled as not providing access to facilities for occupation and recreation; opportunities to participate in activities in accordance with their interests, capacities and developmental needs; supports to develop and maintain personal relationships. Also, residents were not supported to access opportunities for education, training and employment.
There was also evidence of food gone past its best before date in fridges at the facility.
It was one of 29 inspection reports issued by Hiqa into designated centres for people with disabilities. Inspectors found a good level of compliance in 17 centres nationwide.
