Disability Abuse: HIQA Finds Protection Lapses
Concerns Raised at Multiple Care Centres Following Hiqa Inspections
Concerns regarding care standards and governance have been identified at eleven residential centres for vulnerable adults across Ireland, according to reports published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) on Thursday. The inspections, conducted across various providers including private operators and the Health Service Executive (HSE), revealed issues ranging from safeguarding concerns to fire safety deficiencies.
A center operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG in Wicklow faced particularly serious findings. Hiqa inspectors discovered that the provider had “not protected residents from all forms of abuse or upheld residents’ rights to quality of life or wellbeing.” The unannounced inspection, carried out on April 29th, 2025, highlighted significant governance failures. while the report acknowledged efforts by management to address the situation, the initial findings were critical.
Poor governance also impacted residents at three centres operated by the HSE.Hiqa issued an urgent action to the HSE, demanding they “address immediate risks facing residents and improve the suitability of the premises for residents’ needs.” Further improvements were required in two additional HSE centres,specifically in “minimising safeguarding incidents and staff training.”
Barróg Healthcare Limited was also issued with an urgent action relating to its Baile Gael residential service in Cork. An inspection on April 16th revealed “significant concerns” regarding fire safety and other infrastructural issues. Hiqa detailed concerns with the premises’ layout, drainage, ventilation, and fire safety systems.
Though, Barróg Healthcare has stated that all required actions have been completed to achieve full compliance. A spokesperson confirmed “decisive steps” were taken, including “significant upgrades to fire safety systems, drainage infrastructure, electrical works, and internal layout.” A new fire safety strategy and governance structure have also been implemented, with the company stating its commitment to “maintaining the highest standards of care and compliance moving forward.”
Further required improvements were identified at two centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG,focusing on premises and overall governance. The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland was instructed to improve risk management within one of its centres, while the Rehab Group needs to address governance, staff training, and residents’ personal plans at another.
Despite these concerns, Hiqa’s reports were not uniformly negative.inspectors found a “generally good level of compliance” with regulations and standards in sixteen of the twenty-seven centres inspected.
The Irish Times has contacted Sunbeam and the HSE for comment on the findings. These inspections underscore the ongoing need for rigorous oversight and continuous betterment within the residential care sector to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable residents.