Cope ‘failed to act’ on claims of abuse
The Hiqa (the Health Information and Quality Authority) report into the Cope Foundation-run centre, also reported a smell of urine from a physical restraint used for one resident; a lack of safeguards; and a “staff member using an unsuitably raised voice and inappropriate tone of voice towards a vulnerable resident”.
Residents also experienced serious privacy and dignity issues; there was inadequate and inconsistent management of restrictive practices; while there were recorded incidents of unexplained bruising with no safeguarding actions. There were also no records of any complaints when significant concerns were raised in the centre — including a number of unsolicited concerns provided to Hiqa which triggered the inspection.
The unannounced inspection of the designated centre for people with disabilities operated by Cope Foundation in Cork City was the second there in a matter of months.
However, inspectors found that despite an Action Plan being issued following the first visit back in November, Hiqa “received unsolicited information in relation to continued deficits in the provision of healthcare, safeguarding and safety measures”.
On the second visit on March 31/April 1, the inspectors found 35 out of the total of 39 actions from the previous inspection had not progressed satisfactorily. By the evening of the second day of inspection, Hiqa issued five immediate action plans “due to significant failings”.
The centre comprises eight houses with residential capacity for a maximum of 41 adults. Residents have significant intellectual disabilities and some have challenging behaviours.
On the lack of dignity and privacy, the report noted one male resident with profound needs was sharing a house with five other residents, including a woman. His personal care plan detailed that he had daily, sexualised behaviour which was part of his ‘obsessional’ routine.
Inspectors saw another, clearly unhappy, resident being restrained for long periods of time in a chair. Staff said there were not enough people to supervise him. In other areas inspectors found a shortage of staff training.
There were examples of good practice, but some residents missed out on activities because of a shortage of staff, and in one case due to a broken transport chair.
It was found that residents were not protected from assaults by other residents, while “on day-two of the inspection, an inspector overheard a staff member using an inappropriate tone and raised voice to a resident. The resident was non-verbal and had a profound disability”.
Since the most recent inspection the provider has given reassurances that changes were being carried out. Caroline Riordan of Cope said: “Cope Foundation is extremely concerned about Hiqa’s most recent report and agree that their findings are of serious concern. We are working closely with Hiqa to address the issues raised and are in constant contact with HIQA inspectors to update them on changes being made.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of services and supports we provide to 2,350 people including our 437 residents so the results of this report are not acceptable and hugely disappointing.”
