Non-compliance found in HIQA inspection of International Protection Centre in Waterford 

The Atlantic House International Protection Service Centre in Tramore received a largely positive report recently from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) which noted that: "Residents were supported to live healthy lives and manage their health and wellbeing needs independently."

However, raised concerns with non-compliance on special reception needs.

The HIQA inspectors found that residents at Atlantic House who spoke to them said they were treated with respect and encouraged to provide feedback on the service through residents’ meetings. The routine inspection took place on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Atlantic House is an accommodation centre located in Tramore, Co. Waterford spread across three buildings which provides accommodation for up to 80 residents; at the time of inspection, the centre accommodated 74 people.

"Issues raised by residents were addressed in a timely manner," the report said.

"Information about residents’ rights and entitlements, and on services and supports available in the centre was displayed on noticeboards in communal areas."

HIQA carries out inspections in which they speak with residents and visitors to gauge their experience in the care service, as well as meeting with staff and management of the care home to ensure best practices are being upheld.

The inspectors at the accommodation centre - which currently houses 74 people in Tramore, Co. Waterford - observed during their inspection that residents were treated with respect and kindness, and the residents were said to have spoken in a "complimentary" fashion regarding the staff. 

The centre was judged to be largely compliant with all relevant requirements but was found not to be compliant with the requirement to have an established policy to identify, communicate and address existing and emerging special reception needs.

The inspectors found that substantial improvement had occurred in the area of risk management. Further progress has been made in the centre's on-site shop. The report detailed that the staff had carried out a review of the onsite shop, following the previous inspection, where concerns were raised regarding the affordability of items for residents.

In reaction to the survey, the staff had reduced the price of the products allowing residents to have more varied food options, the report noted that some residents said to the HIQA inspectors they were "better able to afford hot meals since the change had occurred."