Hiqa: Staff levels impede care needs at facilities for disabled

Staffing levels have been highlighted as a major issue at a number of HSE-operated facilities for people with a disability.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) found a lack of staff, and, in some cases, an over-reliance on agency workers, is inhibiting the quality of life of residents.

A batch of inspection reports published by the health watchdog did note improvements in many facilities, but revealed that in one inspection, that of the HSE Glendalough Service, there were 17 agency staff allocated in the centre in one week.