Two local residential centres for people living with disabilities have received high marks during recent HIQA inspections.
Both the Soolhaven Centre in Roscommon and the Joanstown Centre in Rathowen, Westmeath were highly praised by inspectors in a newly released report. The Soolhaven Centre, run by Gateway Community Care Limited cares for up to three residents who are diagnosed with autism and or an intellectual disability.
According to inspectors, questionnaires completed by residents and their families displayed a high level of satisfaction with their treatment, the staff and their activities. The report describes a relaxed and very pleasant atmosphere for the service users, with HIQA officials stating it was clear that residents enjoyed their homes. Overall the centre recorded 11 full compliance in areas such as staff, training, premise and risk management. Some areas highlighted as in need of attention were the types of glass used above fire doors, the labelling of alternative therapy products and the storage of mops between use.
In Rathowen, County Westmeath, the Joanstown Centre cares for six ladies with an intellectual disability and autism. Inspectors attended the centre in January and described the service users as relaxed and contented, with residents describing their happiness with the centre and staff. The HSE run facility received 17 full compliance's and one substantial compliance in the area of infection control. Issues were highlighted with certain areas needing a more substantial cleaning, improvements needed in storage processes and some hand hygiene sinks needing maintenance.
