Hiqa warns of deterioration in disability centres since covid

Hiqa now prioritises applications from centres looking to transition residents from large centres to community settings, Finbarr Colfer, Hiqa Deputy Chief Inspector of Social Services (Disability), said. File photo: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ie

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has warned of deterioration across disability centres in complying with standards linked to the ongoing impact of the covid-19 pandemic.

One resident in a large congregated centre told inspectors they felt “scared” because of the noise levels while others spoke of spending time alone every day.