Inspections of a number of disability centres reveal safeguarding concerns and lack of toilet facilities forcing resident to urinate in garden

"The inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) said written records demonstrated that residents expressed ongoing unhappiness living together, with one resident reporting feeling frightened and others engaging in frequent arguments, resulting in emotional distress. These issues were documented over a prolonged period, from October 2023 to the present day. These well-documented concerns had not been dealt with in an effective or timely manner."

"Despite the seriousness and persistence of these concerns, incidents had not been screened under established safeguarding procedures, nor were they notified to the relevant statutory agencies as required. Safeguarding plans had not been developed to address or mitigate the ongoing risk of psychological harm arising from these negative interactions, said the report. In response the provider said it would carry out a review of its safeguarding policy and processes to support staff in recording and reporting of issues of concern."

A centre run by the National Association for the Deaf T/A Chime in north Dublin recorded multiple allegations and negative peer interactions, some linked to suicidal ideation, that were not screened or reviewed under provider or national safeguarding policy. Residents documented ongoing unhappiness, fear, frequent arguments, and emotional distress over a prolonged period from October 2023 to the present. Incidents were not notified to statutory agencies and safeguarding plans were not developed to mitigate psychological harm. The provider committed to reviewing its safeguarding policy and staff recording and reporting processes. A separate St John of God centre in Louth had only one toilet, causing a resident to urinate outdoors.

Read at Irish Independent