HIQA report reveals ongoing staffing issue at Waterford centre
The report was published by HIQA.
A new report has flagged an ongoing issue with staffing at the Comeragh High Support Residential Services in County Waterford.
Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) published their findings after an inspection into the facility, which is run by the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. The inspection was carried out unannounced on December 9, 2024. There were five residents at the time. It was a follow-up on a previous inspection that highlighted areas of concern: 'As per the previous inspection findings, some residents presented as not being compatible and there were peer to peer safeguarding and behaviours that challenge present. For example where a resident had dementia, they were frequently triggering others behaviours resulting in incidents and/or outbursts in the centre.'
At a previous inspection in August 2024, inspectors flagged an issue with staff retainment and pressed for an improvement in oversight and governance. It read: 'The provider's stated action of assessment and identification of residents' assessed needs to inform planning for resources remained incomplete. This did not provide assurance that the supports in place were as required for residents. This inconsistency or potential lack of knowledge regarding residents' needs remained an issue which was having a direct impact on the lived experience of residents.'
At the December inspection, HIQA found that the unit still had an issue with securing a core team for the facility.
The report stated: 'While progress had been made in some areas such as premises maintenance, risk assessment, medication guidance and practice and in the recognition and response to safeguarding, progress was still required in the governance and management oversight arrangements and in the provision of core staffing support.'
The ongoing issue resulted in the centre being deemed 'non-compliant' in staffing procedure. The report did mark an improvement in training and staff development but stated that a review would be needed of this training: 'Given the inconsistency in the staff team however, a system for the provider to review the training completed by agency and day service staff was required.'
The facility was marked 'non-compliant' in governance and management, noting a lack of procedure in reviewing the needs of the residents in light of serious incidents. The report read: 'These included incidents whereby one resident struck another on at least two occasions, another resident was punched in the eye, residents engaged in verbally aggressive behaviours that had an impact on others.'
