High praise for Waterford disability service in latest HIQA report
The report was published by HIQA.
An announced inspection of the Tory Residential Services in Waterford City has found the centre mostly compliant.
HIQA inspectors visited two houses operated by the Brothers of Charity and found them to be compliant in 12 of the 15 areas inspected.
The centre was also substantially compliant with fire precautions because the second house did not have thumb turn locks, and on staffing where there were five staff vacancies.
However, the report said that a recruitment campaign was underway, and a team leader had reviewed the roster to ensure consistent staffing in both houses.
Inspectors found that the centre was non-compliant with registration.
Management had failed to submit their re-registration within the required timeframe, and when the application was made, some of the information was invalid.
Inspectors spoke to residents and found that they feel safe, comfortable and happy with the support they receive from staff.
The report said: “In summary, residents in this centre were enjoying a good quality of life. They lived in houses which were located close to transport links and amenities, and they were supported to engage in activities outside of their homes.
"Each of the houses had a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and residents appeared to be content and comfortable.”
During the inspection, HIQA noted, “kind and caring interactions between residents and staff”.
Residents described staff as "absolutely brilliant", and "very good to me".
They had access to their local community, employment and recreational activities.
The report said: “The inspector reviewed records for the five residents and found examples of activities they were enjoying regularly, such as bocce, boxercise, going to the gym, Zumba, horse riding, cooking, gardening, going to the pub and restaurants, music concerts and events.
“Two residents spoke about growing vegetables in their garden last year, and their plans to do the same this year.
"They spoke about how proud they were of their crop and how they had shared the vegetables with their family members. One resident spoke about their love of music, while another spoke about their passion for acting.
“They spoke about the television programmes they had acted in, their acting roles with a production company and some of the pantomimes and shows they had taken part in over the years.
"The also told the inspector about a film they had made about seeking paid employment."
As part of the inspection, HIQA reviewed surveys completed by the resident's representatives for the provider.
Respondents were complimentary of the staff and the houses their loved ones lived in.
“The provider was capturing the views of residents and their representatives as part of their audits and reviews. For example, the inspector reviewed the "family views" of two residents' representatives, which were captured as part of their annual review.
"Feedback in these documents was positive, and comments included, "the house is kept in immaculate condition", "I couldn’t praise the staff highly enough", "...is so happy".
"It gives us as a family great peace of mind," said one comment in the report.
