HIQA report praises Longford disability centre as it's 'planned around the needs' of kids

Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has delivered a positive report into the services provided by an intellectual disability provider in Longford town.

Teach na Coille, a facility run by St Christopher’s Services is a large bungalow located on the outskirts of Longford town and the centre provides residential and day respite care for up to four children at a time, six days and nights per week.

HIQA inspectors deemed the service was 'substantially compliant' or 'compliant' in 12 regulatory areas out of a total of 14 during an assessment on April 17 last.

Teach na Coille was deemed to be substantially compliant in six areas, which included training and staff development, governance and management, notification of incidents, risk management procedures, fire precautions and protection.

The facility was also adjudged to be 'compliant' in terms of six different areas which included staffing, statement of purpose, general waste and development, premises and healthcare.

HIQA inspectors spoke with residents and the people who visit them to find out their experience of the service and they also chatted to staff and management to find out how they plan, deliver and monitor the care and support services.

The staff cohort on the day of the inspection comprised of nurses, a social care worker and healthcare assistants/direct support workers.

The HIQA inspectors observed practice and daily life to see if it reflects what people had told them and they reviewed documents to see if appropriate records were being kept.

The report stated the "centre was well-resourced and the residents (children) appeared to be enjoying their time in respite care".

The inspectors found resources were "planned around the needs of the children and over the course of the inspection the staff team were observed delivering supports in a kind and patient manner".

The report outlined that despite this some improvements were needed in several areas.

The centre provides respite care to 18 children who can avail of this on a day, evening or overnight basis.

On the day of the inspection, two children went home early in the morning, after spending two overnight respite stays in the centre, two children then arrived for day respite; and in the evening time one child arrived for an overnight respite stay.

The report stated "for the most part children were receiving a safe and quality service however, some improvements were required in governance and management, staff training and notifying the Office of the Chief Inspector of adverse incidents as required by the regulations".

The Hiqa report stated there was a defined management structure in place, however, the inspector found that some improvements were required to ensure that issues identified on this inspection were being highlighted in audits and oversight arrangements in of the centre.

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