Ability West Falls Short on Governance and Management Improvement Despite Six-Month Regulatory Escalation Programme by HIQA’s Chief Inspector
Ability West, a disability service, has failed to show sufficient improvement in governance and management, despite a six-month regulatory escalation program led by HIQA’s Chief Inspector. Health Information and Quality Authority inspections revealed that inadequate governance and management arrangements negatively impacted residents’ daily lives. This resulted in a failure to manage risks effectively, meet health and personal rights, adhere to care plans, and ensure fire safety and infection prevention measures.
In response to ongoing concerns about the impact on residents’ lives, the Chief Inspector initiated a regulatory escalation programme across all of Ability West’s centres. However, even after the conclusion of the programme, HIQA has identified “insufficient improvement” in governance and management within the organisation.
Chief Inspector Carol Grogan took decisive action by cancelling the registration of one centre in September, with the Health Service Executive assuming operational responsibility. Notices of proposal to cancel the registration of three more centers have been issued following recent inspection reports.
Under the Health Act 2007, Ability West has a legal right to make representations to the Chief Inspector within 28 days before a final decision is made on canceling the registrations of those centers. HIQA inspectors are actively monitoring the quality of care in these centres as the situation develops.
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