Compliance ‘very poor’ at centre for adults with intellectual disabilities in Kilkenny

Overall levels of compliance at Comeragh Residential Services in Kilmacow, operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, remains very poor following a number of recent HIQA inspections.

The centre provides a high support residential service for up to seven adults, of both genders, with intellectual disabilities.

Kilkenny gardaí issue warning over THC vapes and potential 'dangerous synthetic cannabinoids'

This most recent inspection was completed by two inspectors, over one day, to follow up on areas for improvement as identified on previous inspections.

Registration of this centre was renewed in April 2023 with an additional condition applied that required the centre come into compliance with named regulations by 10 October 2023.

This inspection took place prior to this date to determine progress towards compliance.

The findings of this inspection indicate that levels of compliance overall remained very poor.

In addition, according to the report, ‘the provider failed to evidence whether plans or other improvement initiatives were in place to ensure they would reach the requirements of regulation within the time frame specified by the registration condition’.

The report notes that ‘there remained a number of issues with resident compatibility and staffing that was impacting on the lived experience of residents’.

The report continues, “As per previous inspection findings, the resident group living in this centre were assessed as not being compatible to live together.

“For example, residents with dementia, autism and other mental health presentations were clearly and frequently triggering each other's behaviours resulting in incidents or outbursts.

“In response to the areas for improvement identified in January 2023, the provider had committed to assigning an empty bedroom as a sensory room in order to afford additional communal spaces for the residents.

“The provider submitted the relevant information into the Office of the Chief Inspector to change the floor plans to reflect this. The inspectors had the opportunity to review this space on the day of inspection and found that this room was not fit for purpose. This was directly impacting on residents.”

Inspectors did note in this most recent report that some improvement was in place around access and participation in social activities.

“The standard of staff and resident interactions was more meaningful and person centred,” the report noted.

“On the day of inspection, some residents left the centre and other residents had a music therapy session.

“From a review of relevant documentation, the provider was able to demonstrate an increased focus on ensuring residents were getting out into the community and engaging in in-house activities that were being offered.”

On review of the complaints log, the report noted that there were a number of recent complaints from 2023, submitted by residents, indicating they were unhappy with the noise level within the home.

“A similar pattern of complaints was also noted in 2022,” the report added.

“Residents were assessed to require a high level of support and the staffing numbers in place reflected this. However, there was a reliance on agency staff within the centre which directly impacted continuity of care.

“Residents’ rights continued to be negatively impacted due to the ongoing compatibility issues of the resident group.”

When the Kilkenny People asked for a response to the report from Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, they issued the following statement:

“Brothers of Charity Services Ireland acknowledge the issues raised in the HIQA report arising from an inspection in July relating to Comeragh Residential Services in Kilmacow, County Kilkenny with respect to the compatibility of the resident group.

“A comprehensive action plan to address the matters raised in the report was submitted to, and accepted by HIQA. Substantial progress has been made on addressing the issues highlighted and this was confirmed at a subsequent recent inspection.”

The inspection report arising from this most recent inspection is yet to be published.