An inspection of a Clare centre for disabilities has found that only one staff member had a valid Garda Vetting disclosure.
A HIQA report of the Hollies Designated Centre for Disabilities has noted that while residents enjoy a “a good quality of life”, “failings in the wider governance structures” have been observed at the facility.
The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an inspection of the Hollies Designated Centre for Disabilities, which is run by the Brothers of Charity Services, on October 24th 2023.
The centre provides a full-time residential service to two residents over the age of 18 and typically has one person on duty during the day, while another is on sleepover duty at nighttime.
The inspection report gives a largely positive account of the centre, stating that systems were in place to allow each resident to “enjoy good health and a good quality of life closely connected to their families and the local community”.
Of the three staff files reviewed by inspectors, only one had evidence of a current valid Garda vetting disclosure which the report says poses “a risk to resident safety”.
In addition, an “evident gap in the wider governance structure with regard to roles, responsibilities and accountability” was observed.
For these reasons, the Hollies was found not to be compliant in the areas of staffing, governance and management, and protection.
Following the inspection, the provider has confirmed its HR department has completed an audit of its entire workforce’s HR files and has found that 171 staff files were without an up-to-date Garda vetting certificate.
The provider states it expects to have up-to-date Garda vetting on file by the end of January.
