HIQA: Concerns found during centre's inspection rectified

An inspection of a Tusla-operated children's residential center found that safety concerns previously identified by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) had been rectified. The June inspection revealed that the center was compliant with one of five national standards and substantially compliant with the remaining four.

In February, HIQA had found the center non-compliant with all five standards, noting immediate risks to the safety, health, and welfare of the three children residing there, including issues related to illicit substance use. By June, however, management had taken significant action to ensure a safe living environment. HIQA reported increased management oversight, more defined accountability, and prompt addressing of issues, which positively impacted the children's well-being.

The report highlighted improvements in staff approach to substance use, with clearer direction and support leading to more unified care. While some gaps in record-keeping and risk management were noted in June, they did not negatively affect children's safety. HIQA recommended further improvements to strengthen governance arrangements, and some recommendations had not been implemented timely, but these were being monitored by regional management.

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This meant that staff were clearer in terms of what was expected from them and more unified in their approach to provide consistent care for children residing there.