Serious shortcomings in the quality and safety of a community home for people with disabilities have been found by the State’s health services watchdog.

Serious shortcomings in the quality and safety of a community home for people with disabilities have been found by State's health services watchdog.

One of the larger service providers in the State for people with a disability, which faced the possible closure of some of its centres over serious concerns for residents, will now apply to register its newly reconfigured campus after a positive inspection report by health watchdog HIQA.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) sought a top-level meeting about a centre for women with disabilities in Cork, demanding reassurances that serious problems at the centre be addressed immediately.

Through inspections and interactions with residents and service providers, Hiqa is assured regulation is improving the lives of people with disabilities living under State care, writes Mary Dunnion.