HIQA's recent report praises county Longford centre in Ballinalee

Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) delivered a very positive recent report into the services provided by a centre which caters for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Kilshrewley Gardens, a facility run by Orchard Community Care Ltd in Ballinalee, is a four bedroom bungalow in the countryside that provides care based on the social care model of support.

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The centre can support up to three adults with intellectual disabilities and autism and cater for people who require support with their mobility with wheelchair access to the centre.

HIQA inspectors deemed the service was 'compliant' in 14 regulatory areas out of a total of 15 with the other deemed to be 'substantially compliant' during an announced assessment on June 17 last.

The areas that were found to be 'compliant' -the highest possible rating - included persons in charge, staffing, training and staff development, complaints procedure, personal possessions, premises, general welfare and development and positive behavioural support.

The inspectors also found the centre was 'compliant' in areas such as risk management procedures, protection against infection, fire precautions, individual assessment and personal plan, protection and admissions and contract for the provision of services.

Kilshrewley Gardens was deemed to be 'substantially compliant' in respect of governance and management.

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On the day of the inspection, the inspection findings were positive and the report stated residents were receiving a good standard of care from a staff team who were aware of and ensured their assessed needs were being met.

HIQA inspectors spoke with the three residents at different times of the day who "appeared content and comfortable in the presence of the staff on duty".

The assessors also spoke with three staff on duty and the person in charge to find out how they plan, deliver and monitor the care and support services.

There were sufficient staff available on the day of the inspection and they were observed to be professional, caring and respectful towards the residents, while the rosters were found to be properly planned and maintained by the person in charge.

The provider had arranged for the majority of staff to have training in human rights and the staff member communicated how they had put that training into everyday practice.

The views of residents were sought through three questionnaires provided by the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services and the feedback from residents was positive with the majority stating they were happy with the service and care provided.

The inspection was the first assessment of this centre since it was registered.

The report said some improvements were required in relation to governance and management with a focus on records as well as potential infection prevention and control risk.

A review of records found they were not always accurately maintained or complete.

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The inspector also found there was no evidence to suggest that the centre had been risk assessed or tested for Legionnaires' disease since the provider had taken over the property.

The provider said they would "review the procedure for dormant properties or unused water outlets, to ensure that the risk for legionnaires is identified in policy and managed as required" by last Tuesday, September 30.

They also pledged to carry out a full review of records to ensure all records are accurate and to ensure consistency of approach by August 15 last.