Written answers

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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304. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the Health Information and Quality Authority report on Saint Anne's Care Facility in County Tipperary; the measures he will take to ensure there are improvements made in that facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17359/15]

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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305. To ask the Minister for Health in view of the fact that two out of 60 disability care homes passed recent inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority; and the measures he will take to improve the standards in disability care homes. [17360/15]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

It is always disturbing when incidents of mistreatment are reported.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) commenced regulation of residential services for people with disabilities on 1 November 2013, pursuant to S.I. No. 366 of 2013 and S.I. No. 367 of 2013, which assign responsibility to HIQA for registering and inspecting residential services for children and adults with disabilities, including respite services.

All HIQA findings are detailed in the reports as are the actions that must be taken by the provider or person in charge of a designated centre to ensure compliance with HIQA's National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

HIQA published more than 550 inspection reports in respect of disability residential services in 2014. The lessons learned from these inspections are continuing to improve the quality of services. Clients and their families can be assured that this regulatory regime is being rolled out across all residential facilities for people with a disability.

By the end of March 2015, HIQA inspectors had inspected 66.5% of designated centres. In general, inspectors have seen examples of very good service provision where the support and care needs of residents have been clearly prioritised and there is evidence of a focus on the needs of service users. However, I am also aware of the serious concerns raised by HIQA regarding the level of care that people with a disability are receiving in a number of disability centres, including St. Anne’s in Tipperary. The HSE is fully engaged with the Daughters of Charity and other service providers, to address the issues raised in the reports.

The purpose of the regulations is to safeguard and support the delivery of person-centred care to vulnerable people of any age who are receiving residential care services and ensure that their health, well-being and quality of life is promoted and protected. Over 670 inspections have taken place to date. Compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and voluntary service providers under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Acts.

The HSE is implementing a comprehensive change programme of measures to improve the quality and safety of residential services for people with disabilities. Much work remains to be carried out to ensure all facilities comply with Disability Residential Standards. While this is challenging, we must remember that the objective is to safeguard vulnerable people.

I have asked the National Disability Authority (NDA) to carry out an independent review of the experience of interested stakeholders involved in the registration and inspection system, since it commenced in November 2013. This will capture learning to date in order to ensure any issues emerging can be addressed and to promulgate good practice around the system. The NDA is expected to have completed its final report in June 2015.

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