Concerns around payments, records and medication at Kerry disability centre

Hiqa inspectors found that staff at Glebe Lodge did not receive sufficient guidance around how and when to administer medications, with some residents requiring up to 20 different types

In all, Hiqa published 23 inspection reports on Wednesday on designated centres for people with disabilities. File photo: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ie

Residents at a Co Kerry disability centre had to pay for the support of staff at some community activities, while records of other payments were not clearly kept, Hiqa inspectors found.

Glebe Lodge, run by the Kerry Parents and Friends Association, was inspected in January on foot of findings of “a high level of non-compliance” during an inspection in September last year.

The latest inspection found while improvements and changes were made, including a greater involvement by senior management in the centre, areas of concern remain.

The inspectors found limited access to social outings due to the centre only having one vehicle which not all residents could physically access. In addition, not all staff could drive this vehicle so it could only be used when a suitable person was on duty.

In relation to medications, staff did not receive sufficient guidance around how and when to administer these. This was of concern with some residents requiring up to 20 types of medication.

They also found “a large supply of medications” which were not being used, including a stock of over 180 antihistamine tablets which had not been given out in “more than three months” to the named resident.

They raised concerns around record-keeping, stating while four people had 'do not attempt resuscitation orders' and advanced health care directives in place, the records did not show the rationale for these.

While safeguarding had improved, they said access to independent advocates was not consistently clear.

Inspectors also reported signs of residents enjoying chosen activities, including that: “One resident excitedly told the inspectors about their recent party that was held over the weekend to celebrate their birthday.” 

In all, Hiqa published 23 inspection reports on Wednesday on designated centres for people with disabilities. 

They found “a generally good level of compliance” in 12 centres, but in 11 centres identified “non-compliances that impacted on the delivery of care and support to residents”. 

All reports are on hiqa.ie.