An overnight respite centre in North Kerry, which opened last June, has received a mixed review from the health watchdog, HIQA.
The four-bed unit, Duagh Heights, is operated by the Orchard Community Care group.
It replaced ‘Cois na Feile’ in Kilmorna, Listowel, which was run by Kerry Parents' and Friends' Association.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspected Duagh Heights last September (23/09/2025), at short notice.
The inspector said the premises was clean, well-furnished, well-maintained and homely.
It had consistent staffing and didn’t use agency staff, had appropriate fire safety systems, regular fire drills, and sufficient resources.
Complaints and safeguarding concerns were deemed appropriately followed up, residents were helped to access community activities, and no significant immediate safeguarding concerns were identified.
However, substantial improvements were required in governance, oversight, and regulatory compliance.
The provider failed to make the required notifications and governance arrangements were not sufficiently robust, with incomplete action follow-through and inaccurate staff rotas.
Key documents were incomplete or outdated, risk management systems were not consistently applied, and some staff could not identify certain types of abuse despite safeguarding training.
The Orchard Care group committed to notify HIQA of management changes, appoint a Person-in-Charge (PIC) solely for the centre, and strengthen governance through a Quality Improvement Plan and monthly oversight.
Records, rosters, contracts, risk management, fire safety, incident notifications, personal plans, and safeguarding arrangements will also be reviewed and updated within specified timeframes to achieve compliance.
