Claregalway autism centre makes changes following HIQA inspection

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A residential centre in Claregalway for people with autism has undergone a series of improvements after a HIQA report found it to be non-compliant across 10 areas. Following an announced inspection in March, HIQA outlined a series of issues with social and healthcare, management of medication and health and safety. Autism West Ltd has provided a residential service in Claregalway for five people with autism for the past 16 years. After an inspection in March this year, HIQA set out an action plan of urgent improvements to be carried out at the centre, which the service had agreed to implement. Following a board meeting yesterday, Autism West Ltd has issued a statement outlining the changes that have been made at the centre. These include the engagement of a fire safety consultant and a health and safty consultant. Management says health and safety issues have been resolved following a full risk-assessment and the implementation of new evacuation and record-keeping procedures. Staff have also received training in the administration of medications, and each resident has been assessed for medical, psychological, dietary and speech and language needs. Autism West says it has re-decorated its premises, and trained all staff members in safe hygiene practices. The organisation says all procedures and practices are monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis.