Report highlights standards in city IPAS Centre

A report released by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has highlighted the living conditions in Viking House, an IPAS centre based in Waterford City.

A HIQA inspection took place from July 15 to 16. The inspection found Cromey Ltd, the assigned care providers for Viking House, were 'delivering a good quality service and for the most part, residents felt safe and protected'.

Viking House provides accommodation to single male adults seeking international protection. The centre holds capacity for 115 residents.

At the time of inspection, there were 84 residents. Twelve residents had received refugee or subsidiary protection status, with some receiving notice to seek private accommodation outside of the city whilst actively looking for alternative accommodation.

The report said: 'Residents were supported by the staff team, treated with respect and experienced a good quality of life while living in this centre.

'In general, residents’ rights were protected and promoted but further consultation was required with residents to ensure they contributed to decisions that affected them.' 

All three residents who completed a feedback questionnaire during the inspection said staff were ‘easy to talk to’ and that they were ‘kind and respectful’ in their interactions.

'While the accommodation provided was adequate, renovations were required throughout the premises to ensure that any ongoing maintenance issues were addressed, and to make sure the accommodation met residents’ needs,' the report said.

In certain areas of the centre, there was mould observed on the ceiling and kitchenettes, along with water damage and burn marks on some flooring.

In some cases, residents had become accustomed to hazardous living standards and didn’t consider notifying staff of issues.

All staff working in the centre were Garda vetted, and there were sufficient numbers with the necessary skills to “provide a safe and high quality service to residents.” 

The centre was deemed 'substantially compliant' or 'compliant' across the majority of HIQA’s designated standards.

In three categories, Viking House was found to be partially compliant: Staff support and supervision; Appropriate furnishment of accommodation; Management and reviews of adverse events.

A previous inspection published in February found the centre failed under the heading of safeguarding and protection.

The centre said an incident analysis procedure would be installed in the wake of February’s report.